Multiple ADRL and NHRA Teams Testing at Bradenton

Some impressive numbers were put down this weekend by many in the NMRA racing series, showing that Bradenton is where the traction is right now. A fairly well-hooking track, ideal weather conditions and an all around nice facility – ultimately equals the perfect testing grounds to shake out a new combination or to gain some valuable testing info. As soon as the NMRA event came to a conclusion and most NMRA crews started to head home, shortly thereafter numerous ADRL, NHRA and other series’ teams rolled in for some spring testing. Amidst all these impressive rides there were a few that really stood out, anything from a funny car to a super stocker could be found on the grounds today.

The Jegs team is out in full force today with some solid 10.0x runs from the Super Stock Challenger (best mph of those being a 131), as well as some initial test hits on an all new ’68 Camaro pro-mod destined to race in NMCA this year in the hands of Troy Coughlin, wearing the traditional black and yellow Jegs paint scheme – Coughlin was also spotted making some runs in the pro-stock Cobalt today despite his busy schedule. On the NHRA pro-stock side many are here testing during what little time teams have before the upcoming Gatornationals – the aforementioned Coughlin went a solid 6.57 at 211 and the Summit-backed Greg Anderson hustled down the 1320 to a cool 6.62 at 208mph, later improving on that run with a 6.56 at 211.

Bear in mind the #1 qualifying slot filled by Edwards at Pomona was with a 6.57, looks like the competition may be gaining some much needed ground. Other notable pro-stock entries on the grounds include Allen Johnson with his new Dodge Avenger, Johnny Gray and Rodger Brogdon’s stylish “The Pistonator” Pontiac GXP. Allen Johnson reportedly isn’t having the best day, hopefully things will turn around in the Mopar camp come morning.

As mentioned a lot of ADRL teams are also here testing – Mike Castellana’s all new ADRL Pro Nitrous Camaro rolled in this morning piloted by Jenkins, but suffered a backfire on the first run out around the 400 foot mark, hopefully they’ll be up and running again soon. Some of the fastest door-slammers on the planet are here – including Tony Christian in his currently for sale Pontiac, Rickie Smith with his Camaro and Dan Stevenson with his killer 2nd gen. Camaro. Extreme 10.5, or as it’s commonly abbreviated as XTF looks promising as well, one of the more unique cars in the field comes from the Titan Motorsports group – being a car with twin overhead cams and an inline engine that’s much smaller than what anyone else is running cubic inch wise, but stays true to the roots of the car it represents. We’ve seen some crazy things work in racing, so look out for this combo to present itself as a successful one.

Chuck Sameuls’ old ADRL XTF car was also there in the hands of a new owner looking to pick up where Samuels left off. Jim Halsey is back on track today in Bradenton, after finishing the 2009 season on a high note – rumor has it that Halsey went 3.86 to the 1/8th off the trailer. All ADRL teams are thrashing to be ready for the season opener at Houston Raceway Park on the 19th of March. With many new rides and teams, it’s looking to be another great year for ADRL competition with more records ready to fall if teams keep progressing as fast as they have been as of late. As most know, ADRL is an 1/8th mile series, so most of the ADRL teams are clicking it off at or around the 1/8th, but we aren’t counting out the possibility of a few going the full 1320 in these sessions.

Al Anabi was also spotted testing out a 2 wheel rocket that made it down the quarter mile in 7.22 seconds at a blistering 183 mph.

Testing kicked off around 10am this morning and is expected to continue as far as wednesday evening with more teams showing up as time progresses. Ricky Jones and a few others are pulling in as we speak and getting set up. With just a few runs on the board things are looking good, while there were a few mechanical difficulties not one car has gotten up close and personal with the wall or had any traction troubles. After seeing multiple pro-stock cars flip over or almost flip at the last NHRA event it was delighting to see them get back in shape and not have any such troubles thus far. The culmination of ADRL and NHRA teams on track is a unique site that isn’t seen very often, though undeniably it’s cool to see cars like this all together.

Expect more updates as testing progresses through the week, and be sure to check out the gallery for more photos from today. Also check back this weekend for NHRA coverage from Gainsville, as well as for the ADRL event just one short week thereafter. If anyone is in the Bradenton area and would like to swing by to check out the action up close and personal, it’s free to watch the test sessions, but bring your own food and drinks as the concessions are not open.