Samuel Hubinette, the "Crazy Swede," kicked off the Need For Speed Formula D Drift 2006 season in style, taking the Round 1 win at Long Beach, Calif., in his NuFormz Racing Mopar Dodge Viper SRT10.

Hubinette qualified sixth, then lined up against the Mustang of Vaughn Gittin Jr., in the first elimination round. After two passes, the crowd chanted "one more time," and that’s just what they got. The two drivers went head-to-head again. Contact between Hubinette and Gittin resulted in a lengthy deliberation by the judges, who awarded the win to Hubinette, after it was determined that Gittin had a mechanical problem, causing the contact.

Hubinette next defeated Tanner Foust in the Great Eight round and took the win over Ken Gushi in the Final Four, setting up a final round match against Rhys Millen, the 2005 champ. Millen spun out on the first pass, sealing the win for Hubinette and giving him his first victory since last year at Chicago.

"It was a phenomenal start for 2006, compared to 2005 when we made the round of 16 but didn’t advance," said Hubinette. "I had to struggle all season last year to work my points up. To get the full 100 points, that’s a great way to start the season. Especially now that we’re working on the new car [the Mopar Dodge Charger SRT8], there is always development time. The fact that I could run the Viper here, get a good start and be up at the top level is just so golden for me."

Hubinette will look to make it two in a row and maintain his points lead, when he debuts the new Mopar Dodge Charger SRT8 in Round 2 at Atlanta, May 12-13. For more info on Hubinette or the Need For Speed Formula D Drift Series, log on to mopar.comsamuelhubinette.com or formulad.com

By Judy Stropus

Ron Capps claimed his second straight 2006 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car win this weekend at the O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway, padding his points lead to 68 over John Force, whom he defeated in the semifinal round.

Capps captured his 19th career win in 40 final rounds and matched his crew chief Ed “Ace” McCulloch’s win record as a Funny Car driver from the 1970s through early 1990s.

The final round matchup saw Bob Gilbertson, who was Capps’ guest at the Supercross event in Houston Saturday night, go up in smoke, as Capps was there for the taking with his slowest elapsed time of eliminations, a 5.005/203.47.

En route to the finals, Frank Pedregon was Capps’ first victim, as the driver of the Brut Dodge Stratus defeated him with a 4.845-second pass at 316.38 mph. Del Worsham was the next to fall, losing to Capps’ 4.820/321.42.

Without lane choice in the semifinal, Capps eliminated 13-time champion John Force, who was also the casualty of Capps’ final-round victory at the last event in Gainesville, Fla. Capps record over Force now stands at 13-37, with Capps winning the last six of their nine meetings. Capps ousted Force with a 4.849/317.64 to Force’s 4.985/306.26.

Capps' Don Schumacher Racing teammate Whit Bazemore made Sunday's eliminations field by qualifying ninth with final round attempt of 4.818/312.50. Bazemore and the Matco Tools Dodge Charger team ended the weekend following the first round of eliminations on Sunday, with Bazemore defeated by Tony Pedregon. Bazemore is currently ranked 12th in the NHRA POWERade Funny Car Series point standings.

In a strange twist on April Fool's Day, defending NHRA POWERade Funny Car Series Champion Gary Scelzi failed to qualify for the event. Scelzi and the Don Schumacher Racing Mopar/Oakley Dodge Charger team will test at Houston Raceway on Monday to prepare for next weekend in Las Vegas.

Capps, Bazemore and Scelzi will return to action next week at "The Strip" at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 6-9. For more information regarding Don Schumacher Racing or the NHRA POWERade Funny Car Series, log on to shoeracing.com or nhra.com

Richie Stevens Jr. had one of the fastest Pro Stock cars in the first round of eliminations this weekend at the O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals, but lost on a heart-breaking holeshot advantage to Erica Enders.

The New Orleans native drove the Team Mopar/Valspar Dodge Stratus R/T to a quicker 6.703-second elapsed time at 205.60 mph, but it was Enders first at the finish line with a slower but winning 6.713/206.07. Enders' outstanding reaction time of .020 of a second (.000 is perfect) awarded her the win by .022 of a second over Stevens, who launched with a solid reaction time of .052.

Stevens' elapsed time was the second quickest of the round, but was not enough to advance him in the notoriously competitive Pro Stock field. "It's tough when it seems like everyone goes up there and runs one of their best runs of the weekend against you," said Stevens. "I guess I bring out the best in everyone, but that’s not a good thing out here."

Allen Johnson didn’t fare any better than Stevens, as Mike Edwards defeated him in the first elimination round. Edwards came with a 5-1 record against Johnson. AJ kept it close, but Edwards led wire to wire.

Rookie Shaun Carlson has been adapting to the elite Pro Stock class so far in the 2006 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season. Although he didn’t qualify for the elimination rounds, his times showed marked improvement as he went along. In fact, Carlson's last two passes were his best of the weekend: 6.761/204.05 and 6.765/204.48.

"After that last run Bob [Glidden, crew chief] told me I did my job," said the eager-to-learn Carlson. "So, that made me feel better. That is what I want to do; I want to do my job, because these guys are working so hard and they deserve to race on Sundays."

For more info on Stevens Jr., Johnson, Carlson or the NHRA, log on to shoeracing.com, allenjohnson.com or nhra.com.

Team Mopar’s USAC National Sprint Car Series contingent kicked off the 2006 racing season in a big way at Eldora Speedway on Saturday night, as Hoffman Auto Racing’s Jerry Coons Jr. picked up the feature event win. The victory marked Coons Jr.’s first triumph at the legendary half-mile facility. Coons, Jr., and the No. 69 team also picked up a heat race win during the evening.

Hoffman Auto Racing also claimed the second finishing position on the night, as Tracy Hines drove the No. 69 to a second-place finish. Hines also took top qualifier honors for the event. Coons Jr., and Hines came away from the weekend in first and second position in the USAC National Sprint Car Series Championship.

Tony Stewart Racing Enterprises' Josh Wise and Levi Jones also turned in solid performances for the weekend, as Wise qualified third quick en route to the feature event. The No. 20 machine was running in third position early on in the feature event, when a cut oil line sidelined Wise for the night. Jones and the No. 21 team earned a Top-10 finish in the season’s first event, as he drove to a ninth-place finish in the feature. Jones is ranked eighth in the series points chase.

Team Mopar and the USAC National Sprint Car Series resume action on April 9 at Anderson Speedway. For more information regarding Coons Jr., Hines, Wise, Jones or USAC Racing, log on to jerrycoonsjr.com tracyhines.com, joshwiseracing.com, levijones.com or usacracing.com.

Paul McMahan, Sammy Swindell, Joey Saldana and Kevin Swindell drove their Mopar-powered machines in World of Outlaws Sprint Series competition over the weekend, to combine for one Top-three finish, four Top-10 finishes, one Top-five finish and two B-main event victories.

McMahan’s No. 20 team had been strong all night, but a high number of laps in the A-main event caused fuel levels to become a concern. McMahan was running as high as third, when on the last lap, his machine ran out of fuel. He coasted to a 14th-place finish on the night. The team wrapped up the weekend winning the B-main event from deep in the field to make the feature event.

Swindell and the No. 5 Forbrook Motorsports team earned two Top-10 finishes on the weekend, as he drove to a seventh place finish on Friday night at Batesville Speedway. The No. 5 team followed that up with a solid eighth place outing at I-55 Raceway to wrap up their weekend. The younger Swindell [Kevin] won the B-main event on Friday night en route to a 23rd place feature in the A-main.

Saldana and the No. 9 Kasey Kahne Racing team finished ninth on Friday night to set the tone for the rest of the weekend’s action. The No. 9 team steadily made its way through Saturday night to set themselves up for a second place run on Saturday night. Saldana is currently ranked second in the World of Outlaws Sprint Series points championship.

McMahan, Sammy Swindell, Saldana and Kevin Swindell will resume World of Outlaws Sprint Series action on April 7-8 at Eldora Speedway. McMahan and the No. 20 will return to National Sprint Tour Series competition on April 15 at Outlaw Motor Speedway.

For more information regarding McMahan, Saldana, the Swindells, the World of Outlaws or the National Sprint Tour, log on to paulmcmahanracing.com, joeysaldana.com, swindellmotorsports.com, theworldofoutlaws.com or nationalsprinttour.com.

Steve Francistook advantage of a weekend off from the World of Outlaws Late Model Series to make the trip to Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana, to compete in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on Saturday night. "The Kentucky Colonel" made the most of his travels, as he set a new track record of 13.546 seconds in qualifying. Francis transferred out of the third heat race to make the feature event for the evening, and he drove to a 13th-place finish in the 75-lap race.

Francis and the No. 15 team will return to World of Outlaws Late Model Series action on April 7-8 at Lenerville Speedway and Virginia Motor Speedway. His team currently leads the series points chase as they head into next weekend’s racing action. Francis has earned five victories thus far in the 2006 season.

For more information regarding Francis or the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, log on to stevefrancisracing.com or woolms.com.

Mopar will sponsor the Mopar All-Star Showdown USAC racing event at Concord Motorsport Park in North Carolina, on Sunday, May 21. The doubleheader event will feature the stars of the USAC National Sprint Car and Midget Car Series as they do battle on the half-mile asphalt tri-oval.

"Sponsoring an event such as the Mopar All-Star Showdown is an opportunity for Mopar to showcase our authentic motorsports programs to a unique racing demographic," said Kevin Miller, Senior Manager, Mopar Brand, Performance and Motorsports. "A premier event such as the one at Concord Motorsport Park goes hand-in-hand with Mopar’s success in the sport of open-wheel racing. We’re pleased to sponsor an event that will continue to build our longevity within the sport."

The Mopar All-Star Showdown is expected to draw entrants from all over the country, as the event places open-wheel’s best in the heart of NASCAR country. The event will mark the first appearance by USAC’s two premier racing series at the facility. Expected entries include 2005 USAC National Midget Car Series champion Josh Wise and his Tony Stewart Racing Enterprises teammates Levi Jones and Kyle Nicholas. NASCAR Busch Grand National competitor Tracy Hines and Wilke-PAK Racing’s Jerry Coons Jr., are also expected to compete.

The Mopar All-Star Showdown will showcase two 50-lap feature events for the USAC National Sprint and Midget Car Series. Gates are scheduled to open to the public at 2 p.m. EDT, with qualifying slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. EDT. Racing will begin at 7 p.m. EDT.

For more information regarding Mopar, the Mopar All-Star Showdown, Metrolina Brand or USAC Racing, log on to moparspeed.com, mopar.com, MetrolinaBrand.com or usacracing.com.

For anyone who thinks he or she can conquer the high banks of Eldora Speedway, Mopar has got the contest for you! Mopar is proud to announce the 2006 Mopar Virtual Dirt Track Challenge. The competition, which will be hosted by Tim’s Dirt Track Simulators at events across the country, will pay $5,000 to the winner of the A-main finale on Saturday, September 23, at Eldora Speedway in Ohio.

The Mopar Virtual Dirt Track Challenge will see 60 virtual sprint car drivers clash head-to-head in the event finale at Eldora Speedway on September 23. Tim’s Dirt Track Simulators will travel to various events throughout the 2006 racing season, where competitors can qualify for the Mopar Virtual Dirt Track Challenge finale. Qualifying events will include USAC National Sprint Car Series and World of Outlaws Series events at Eldora Speedway and events at Ohio- Pennsylvania- and Indiana-based dirt track facilities.

Prizes presented by Mopar for the Mopar Virtual Dirt Track Challenge include $5,000 to the A-main event finale winner and $1,500 to the runner up. Kears Speedshop will present $200 Fast Time Awards. The University of Northwest Ohio will present $100 B-main awards, and Hoservilleohio.com will present a $75 C-main award. Heat Race awards of $50 will be presented by L&S Express, LLC, and Tim’s Dirt Track Simulators will present $50 Hard Charger Awards during the event finale at Eldora Speedway on September 23.

The 60 eligible drivers must run five qualifying laps. Based on qualifying runs, they will be placed into six heat races, with 10 cars making up each two-round heat grouping. Top point totals from each heat grouping will transfer to the A-Main. The next overall twenty totals will transfer to the C-Main. Two C-Mains will be held, with the Top-five finishers from each C-Main transferring to the B-Main. The top four finishers from the B-Main will transfer to the 30-lap A-Main, which will start at 5 p.m. Saturday, September 23.

For more information, log on to moparspeed.com or mopar.com.

Eldora Speedway and Mopar have unveiled the second largest payoff in non-winged racing history. The Mopar Thunder at the USAC 4-Crown Nationals will feature $266,250 in prize money and bonuses up for grabs. The marquee September 22-23 event, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of the historic 4-Crown Nationals, will offer an unprecedented $25,000 paycheck to the winner in each of USAC’s premier divisions (Midget, Sprint, Silver Crown), and $2,500 to the United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) Modified victor.

Intensifying the event is a $100,000 bonus from Mopar to any driver able to sweep the three USAC non-winged events. Additionally, a $25,000 "Jack Hewitt Bonus" is being posted for a clean sweep victory in all four legs of the Mopar Thunder. This stunning feat was accomplished by Hewitt in 1998.

"We are happy to continue to build our relationship with the legendary Eldora Speedway and the race fans who support these first-class racing events," said Kevin Miller, Senior Manager, Mopar Brand, Performance and Motorsports. "Sponsoring events such as the Mopar Thunder at the USAC 4-Crown Nationals gives us a platform to build on our leadership position in the sport of open wheel racing. Working with a group such as Eldora Speedway allows Mopar the opportunity to showcase our authentic motorsports programs."

Tony Stewart, NASCAR Nextel Cup champion and owner of Eldora Speedway, explained, "Eldora has a long history of high-paying events. When I bought the track from Earl [Baltes], I knew I had big shoes to fill in following that reputation. We’re ecstatic to promote such a marquee event with Mopar and celebrate what will be 25 years of the 4-Crown Nationals."

Tickets for the Mopar Thunder at the USAC 4-Crown Nationals will be available online at www.eldoraspeedway.com beginning May 1. Race fans will also be able to purchase tickets at Eldora Speedway daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. The USAC Silver Crown finale from the Mopar Thunder at the USAC 4-Crown Nationals event will be televised on The Outdoor Channel on September 30, 2006, at 5 p.m. EDT.

For more information regarding Eldora Speedway, Mopar, the Mopar Thunder at the USAC 4-Crown Nationals event, USAC Racing or The Outdoor Channel, log on to eldoraspeedway.com, moparspeed.com, usacracing.com, outdoorchannel.com or mopar.com.