Latest news with #PROSuperstarShootout
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Inspired NHRA Legend John Force Says He 'Feels Alive Again'
Ron Capps might have spoiled Austin Prock's otherwise-perfect week Saturday, defeating the current NHRA Funny Car champion in the final round of second annual PRO Superstar Shootout at Florida's Bradenton Motorsports Park. But Prock's boss, John Force, was giddy—not for Capps' victory but for his energized cross-country trip from California. It was Force's longest outing since his June 23 accident last season at the Virginia Nationals near Richmond has left him sidelined with what was diagnosed as a traumatic brain injury. But he was on hand for the preseason exhibition to watch Prock top predecessor Robert Hight's official, NHRA-recognized class-best elapsed time by two-thousandths of a second, at 3.791 seconds during qualifying. He was there to cheer on his own substitute, Jack Beckman, who last February was the live-stream analyst at the inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout. And he watched daughter Brittany make what she called "some killer and consistent passes' in testing her Top Fuel dragster, qualify No. 3, and take out Doug Kalitta to declare that her team is "way ahead of ourselves from where we were last season." It all made John Force declare, "To tell you the truth, this is the first time since Richmond I really felt alive again. We didn't win, but I was excited just to be where I need to be, running my teams and supporting Cornwell, PEAK, Monster, and all our other partners. I can't wait to get to Gainesville [for the March 7-9 season-starting Gatornationals]. "My wife, Laurie, told me I needed to get back in the game,' the 157-time winner and 16-time champion said. 'And being here in Bradenton was just good for my heart. Watching everybody work, watching the cars and the teams, and seeing old friends like Capps, it was just special."
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Capps bests Prock to win PRO Superstar Shootout
Ron Capps spoiled Austin Prock's otherwise perfect week Saturday, beating the reigning NHRA Funny Car champion in the final round of the second annual PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Capps' run of 3.870s and 330.47mph with his Ron Capps Motorsports entry edged Prock's 4.003s/316.60mph. 'This event is special. It's the second year we've done anything like this, but you have an all-star cast,' said Capps. 'Back in the day, as a kid, you know, I read about the Orange County races and all the stuff, where everybody showed up. This SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout is what it's all about. A lot of our sponsors are big supporters of this event, so thank you, SCAG, for putting all that money up. We're gonna love it, but our NAPA guys, (crew chief) Guido. I cannot say enough about how hard he's worked, and this is the fruit of our team's labor.' In Top Fuel, Shawn Reed's 3.699s/330.39mph run was enough to beat Josh Hart (3,724s/321.27mph), while Troy Coughlin Jr. won in Pro Stock, defeating Cory Reed. In the Top Fuel final Reed was facing Floridian and multi-time Top Fuel national event winner Hart, who had posted the two quickest elapsed times in the first and second round of race day. Both dragsters jumped off the starting line together and it was Reed getting to the finish line first with a strong 3.699 second run at 330.39 mph just in front of Hart's equally impressive 3.724 second run at 321.27 mph. Reed's pass was the quickest of the day in Top Fuel as cooler temperatures created optimal racing conditions. 'This is flat out incredible right now,' said an exuberant Reed at the top end. 'It's impossible to think ahead because you haven't done anything. I have to thank Red Line Oil, Matco Tools, All American Automotive. Thanks to all the fans. Man, it's been great with all these people out here. I'm more than blessed right now, and I'm probably happy as I've been in a long, long time.' While John Force Racing didn't end up getting the FC win with Prock — who had posted a record 3.791s run in qualifying — it scored another big morale booster from the presence of the team's founder and CEO. 16-time series champion John Force was a welcome presence in the JFR compound at Bradenton even though he still is receiving treatment for the traumatic brain injury he suffered in a crash last June at Richmond. 'My wife, Laurie, told me I needed to get back in the game,' said the 157-time NHRA winner. 'And being here in Bradenton was just good for my heart. Watching everybody work, watching the cars and the teams and seeing old friends like Capps, it was just special. 'We didn't win, but I was excited just to be where I need to be,' he said. 'Running my teams and supporting Cornwell, PEAK, Monster, and all our other partners. I can't wait to get to Gainesville. To tell you the truth, this is the first time since Richmond I really felt alive again.' The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series gets underway at Gainesville March 7-9. Story originally appeared on Racer
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Prock scorches Bradenton with 3.791s qualifier
Defending NHRA Funny Car champion Austin Prock got his 2025 off to another fast start with a record-setting turn in qualifying for the PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park. Prock, who won last year's Shootout in his first race in a nitro Funny Car, made the quickest run in history during Friday's final qualifying session in his John Force Racing Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS, stopping the timers in 3.791s at a speed of 331.53mph. It was the climax to a dominant week for the 29-year-old Prock, who was quickest in testing (3.805s) and in all four qualifying sessions (3.861s, 3.882s, 3.860s and 3.791s) of the pre-season event. 'That thing was trucking down there,' Prock said of his historic 3.791s that is two ticks quicker than the official NHRA record of 3.793s set by his predecessor in the Cornwell Chevy, Robert Hight. 'I had my hands full. I got really close to the centerline and that might have scrubbed off that three-thousandths we needed to go (3).78. But I'm really proud of this team. 'It's been eight years since someone has run (3).79,' he noted. 'The race cars and rules were much different (then), so to get back to that number says a lot about this team, says a lot about my dad (crew chief Jimmy Prock), Thomas (Prock) and Nate (Hildahl). They do a really good job and it sure is fun.' The Shootout concludes Saturday. Story originally appeared on Racer
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
American Rebel CEO Andy Ross to Appear on ABC-TV Tampa Weekday Morning Show Morning Blend
American Rebel Holdings IncNashville, TN, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) ("American Rebel" or the "Company"), creator of American Rebel Beer ( and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel ( is excited to announce that its CEO Andy Ross will appear on the Friday, February 7 broadcast of Morning Blend ( on ABC Action News Tampa. Andy's segment will appear between 10- 11 am Eastern Standard Time. Andy will promote the SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout ( and his Saturday concert appearance on the American Rebel Beer stage near the starting line at the conclusion of racing, discuss the company's sponsorship of Tony Stewart Racing's Funny Car driven by Matt Hagan and the ongoing launch of American Rebel Beer. 'The PRO Superstar Shootout is the Pro Bowl of the NHRA drag racing season,' said Andy Ross. 'Last year's debut event was a massive success and American Rebel and I are honored to participate. The PRO Superstar Shootout is a chance for the race teams to have some friendly competition and a dress rehearsal for the NHRA season. There's nothing better than a weekend at the track, except a weekend at the track with an after party. I can't wait to play my brand of country patriotic rock 'n' roll for these great fans.' 'Coming to Florida to support the PRO Superstar Shootout and the Matt Hagan Dodge//SRT Hellcat American Rebel Light Funny Car is very important for American Rebel,' continued Andy Ross. 'We recently had a launch party for American Rebel Beer in Nashville at Kid Rock's bar on Broadway and Tony, Matt and some of the other Tony Stewart Racing Team folks came into town to support us…it meant the world to me and our company. It's more than business, it's family.' 'I can't wait to unleash the American Rebel Beer Funny Car with Andy Ross at Bradenton,' said Matt Hagan. 'Andy and the American Rebel Beer Team are going full throttle as they launch a new premium domestic light beer. We're proud to promote his brand and watch them expand into more states and bars nationwide. I'm honored to represent them and stand behind their bold American spirit.' 'It's always a good time when Andy plays a concert at the racetrack,' continued Matt Hagan. 'He likes to rock and that suits us just fine.' About American Rebel Light Beer Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer ( is a premium domestic light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America's Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer. American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It's all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers. About Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro As tenacious as Stewart is in the cockpit of a racecar, he's proven equally adept at providing cars and equipment for racing's elite. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion can also list 31 owners' titles to his resume, from NASCAR to USAC to the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. In 2023 Stewart earned his 31st owner title when Matt Hagan and the TSR Funny Car team earned the championship on November 11th. His team, Tony Stewart Racing, fields a powerhouse lineup in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series with Tony in Top Fuel and Matt Hagan in Funny Car. After more than four decades of racing around in circles, Stewart has embarked on a straight and narrow path, albeit at more than 300 mph. For more information on TSR Nitro go to About American Rebel Holdings, Inc. American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit and For investor information, visit American Rebel Holdings, American Rebel Beverages, LLCTodd Porter, Presidenttporter@ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the 'Company,' "American Rebel,' 'we,' 'our' or 'us') desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "forecasts" "believe," "may," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "should," "plan," "could," "target," "potential," "is likely," "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of marketing outreach efforts, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Company Contact:tporter@ info@ Attachment American Rebel Holdings IncSign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
5 Biggest Offseason Stories Heading Into 2025 NHRA Season
While it's been a relatively quiet NHRA offseason with few driver changes, there's plenty of intriguing storylines to ponder going into the 2025 season. Here's five that caught our attention:West Texas businessman Chad Green marks his fifth Funny Car season by adding a Funny Car to his team, one that his son, Hunter Green, will share with established Blake Alexander. Alexander, 36, will drive for 13-14 races, and the 29-year-old Green will start his pro career with five. For Alexander, it's a boost to his visibility and a chance to build on his up-trending 2024 season that resulted in a career-best sixth-place finish, a victory, and a 22-17 record. That was his most productive season since 2018, when he won two of his three finals and was 23-9 on race day. For Green, whose only on-track experience has been in a sportsman-level Top Alcohol Dragster, it's an opportunity to give a younger face to the sport. Canadian multi-class veteran Spencer Hyde, 33, will succeed Alexander at Jim Head least to start the season, eight-time champion and 88-time race winner Tony Schumacher will be missing from the entry list because of finances. JCM Racing team owner Joe Maynard will move forward with an all-female lineup of full-time Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria and part-time Top Fuel racer Ida Zetterström. Schumacher's absence, particularly in the wake of legend John Force's traumatic brain injury diagnosis, is a disappointment and squandered chance for the charismatic Schumacher to rise to the role of the NHRA's most dynamic late as two weeks before the Feb. 6-8 non-NHRA-sanctioned PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton, Fla., neither Steve Torrence nor father Billy Torrence is listed as an entrant. And that would be an excellent tune-up for the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series' March 7-9 opener. Billy Torrence's crew chief, Jason McMcCulloch, already has moved over to Josh Hart's Top Fuel team to share tuning duties with Ron Douglas, signaling at least one or possibly both teams might not return. Just a couple of years ago, Steve Torrence and Tony Schumacher were mock-bragging about being the sheriff in town. If both have ridden away, who's going to run Dodge City?The NHRA schedule already had back-to-back four-wide spectacles, one at Las Vegas, the other at Charlotte. And the consensus was that drivers were relieved to return to the traditional two-lane format. But the sanctioning body, apparently missing the clues, decided they all needed one more thrown into an already stressful six-race stretch that determines the champions. So, a four-wide event in Charlotte in September is now part of the Countdown. President Glen Cromwell said, 'Because drag racing is a straight-line sport, we challenge them with all-concrete tracks, others that are a mix of surfaces, different elevations, different weather, and now, in the Countdown, a different format in four-wide.' But to Cromwell's credit, he said, 'Everything we do is to try to move the sport forward, and this is one of them. And if it doesn't work and we don't see a boost, then we'll look at changing things.'The Peach State Showcase of Speed, scheduled for Oct. 24-25 at Valdosta, Ga. – two weeks after the Dallas event and one week before the second Las Vegas race, in the Countdown – was another peculiar Countdown addition. NHRA boss Glen Cromwell said this national-event-mimicking was a great tool for promoting the 2026 NHRA Gatornationals five months down the road. The facility is lovely, the management is strong, and the drag-racing crowds pack the place for other types of events. But it's distracting from the Countdown. Maybe the sanctioning body should keep the Showcase of Speed and drop the Countdown. Or maybe the NHRA should trim its season and host a showcase day with postseason exhibitions nationwide at selected tracks to raise awareness of the sport, rather than hop back and forth from Texas east to Georgia back west to Las Vegas and Southern California to end the season.
