CONCORD, N.C. (April 28, 2011) – Doug Herbert, NHRA Top Fuel Drag Racer, will hold an Open House at his new location in Concord on Saturday, May 7.  The event, which will also include a Super Sale and Car Show, will feature Shirley Muldowney, the first lady of drag racing, as the guest of honor.

The event begins at 9:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm.  The new location, at 4030 Concord Parkway South in Concord, is only one mile from Charlotte Motor Speedway.  The store officially opened two weeks ago but this will be the first event held there.  Herbert will fire up his Top Fuel dragster at approximately noon.  There will be free hot dogs and sodas for all customers and patrons will also have the opportunity to dyno their car or truck.

“This is our 20^th Annual Car Show but this year is special because it is the first event at the new shop in Concord,” said Herbert.  “The entire day is centered on thanking our customers.  They’ll have the opportunity to meet Shirley, get her autograph and take a picture with her.  We’re expecting a huge crowd and it’ll be a great event!”

Muldowney, who is a three time NHRA Top Fuel Champion, is a pioneer in the sport of drag racing.  She broke huge barriers to become to first woman to receive a license from the NHRA to drive a Top Fuel dragster and subsequently became the first woman to achieve mainstream success as a professional racecar driver.  With 18 NHRA National Event wins to her name, she paved the way for modern female racers.

Representatives from B.R.A.K.E.S., the nonprofit organization founded by Herbert, will also be in attendance to speak with families about safe driving and promote the B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School.  The school provides hands-on driver training to teens and their parents free of charge.  The organization has provided free, behind-the-wheel training for over 2,000 teenagers from 15 different states since it began in 2008.

Trophies will be given out for best street car, best muscle car, best truck, rarest car, best hot rod, best drag car and best in show.  Participants are asked to be on-site by 8AM for registration.  To obtain more information, call (704) 732-2400 or visit www.dougherbert.com . 

Jimmy Tracey driver of the Black Stallion 2 competed against; Captains Curse, Madusa, Eradicator, Backdraft, Full Boar and Anger Management.  

Fargodome - February 4-5, 2011

The Black Stallion team outran the blizzard that struck Chicago the first week of February.  The team stopped by Feld Motorsports shop there to make repairs on their way to Fargo ND after leaving their event in Indianapolis.  They were able to steer clear of the storm by about 50 miles the whole drive into Wisconsin.  Their luck held up in Fargo as it was one of their best events so far the first quarter.  Unfortunately not so for some of the other teams competing as they suffered major motor and truck damages. 
Friday night there were so many anxious spectators trying to get into the Fargodome to see the show that the start time had to be delayed to allow time for the long lines of people to get through the doors.  Trey Myers in the Iron Warrior was the second truck out for the wheelie competition and raised the “tailgate” so to speak with two solid hits off the cars launching vertical wheelies.  Vaters in the Black Stallion came out for his hits towards the end of the lineup which increased the level of difficulty as the cars were smashed down by then.  Michael Vaters was still able to pull off two great wheelies nearly clearing the race lanes both hits.  Unfortunately the judges all weekend were just as tough as they have been the entire tour.  The wheelie win went to Grave Digger.

The Chicago style course was tacky in the corners due to the high level of clay in the dirt.  Sand was added by the track crew to increase the speed in the turns.  Vaters lost the first round of racing to Scarlet Bandit when he got a little too wide in the final turn.  Iron Warrior was eliminated by El Toro Loco.  Nitro Circus made it through the elimination rounds to take home the win in racing.
Freestyle competition was full of action and big air off the obstacles.  Trey in the Warrior had a solid run hitting all the obstacles.  Vaters in the Stallion had a fast paced high energy exhibition getting big air off each obstacle and landing effortlessly.  Vaters went at the obstacles at all angles putting flare into the performance.  There were still the majority of the trucks to follow Vaters and the judges just wouldn’t cut the team a break.  Bounty Hunter won freestyle.

The Saturday afternoon show started after the pit party that was packed with anxious monster truck fans.  The wheelie contest took its first casualty of the weekend when Monster Mutt lost a motor and was out for the rest of the weekend.  Coming out early in the line up Michael Vaters in the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion launched skyward in a vertical fashion for both hits as the crowd went crazy.  Vaters scored a 23 in the wheelie landing him in a respectable 3rd place in the wheelie finishing. 
The racing action was faster than the night before as the track had time to dry out more overnight. Mike Vaters in the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion moved into the semi-finals where he was then eliminated by Bounty Hunter in a “soooo close” photo finish.  Iron Warrior driven by Trey Myers beat Friday nights race winner Nitro Circus moving him into the semi-finals but lost to Grave Digger dashing his hopes for a chance in the finals.  Bounty Hunter took the racing win for this show.

The truck destruction continued for the teams competitors when El Toro Loco would up on its lid during his freestyle run causing him to lose the front axle.  Iron Warrior and Black Stallion both laid down action packed runs that took on all the obstacles.  Getting big air causing excited fans to roar their appreciation....but alas the teams efforts was unable to impress the judges.  Bounty Hunter doubled down adding the freestyle win to his racing win.   

On Saturday night the last show of the weekend the drivers seemed to loosen up and pull out all their tricks from the bag.   Quoted from Monster Jam online re-cap by the announcer; “Trey Myers and Iron Warrior continued to set the bar for the rest of the field, just as he has done all weekend in Fargo. Whether it be in Wheelies or Freestyle, Trey was set on making it as tough as possible for those coming behind him. Always at a fast pace and making the truck take the abuse he puts it through. His teammate and boss, Mike Vaters in Black Stallion where also hitters this weekend. Going deep into the racing elimination rounds. Not only did they entertain in the seat of the monster trucks, but also on board the world’s fastest ATV's with Psycho and Kamikaze. Burner pops and flames made for an exciting exhibition.”
The wheelie competition started off with the first truck out driven by Trey Myers sending the Iron Warrior into two wheelies that drug the rear of the truck across the line of junk cars.  Myers’ exhibition made the following drivers really work hard for their scores.  The destruction continued with Nitro Circus standing the truck on the tailgate and walking it right off the lane of cars into another van being used as a turn pole. The one hit wonder left him winning the Wheelie contest and the crew thrashing to get the truck put back together in time for racing.  Trey Myers wheelie in the Warrior scored a 21 awarding him 3rd place.  The Nitro Circus scored a 27 for the win. 
 

Mike had the Black Stallion’s sights set on making his way through racing as he defeated Scarlet Bandit in the first round. The semi final race with Black Stallion versus Grave Digger was the closest of the weekend with the Dome replaying the finish line action several times to determine the winner. Iron Warrior had a first round loss against Bounty Hunter.
 

The drivers pulled out all of their tricks for the Freestyle competition since it was the last show of the weekend and they would have the entire week to repair any damages before the next weekends event.  Trey got the show underway launching the Iron Warrior skyward off all the obstacles. Michael Vaters behind the wheel of the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion demonstrated his driving experience of 29 years.  The Stallion sailed through the air into the stratosphere after launching over each obstacle.  Vaters landed each jump effortlessly lining up for the next set of cars as if it was one fluid movement.  Vaters piloting the Black Stallion left all the fans in the stands amazed.

Hampton Coliseum - February 4-5, 2011

On Friday night the roar of the powerful alcohol injected motors in the monster trucks announced that the night of cut throat competition and destruction was about to begin.  The wheelie contest was up first with Legend taking the win.  In racing round one the Black Stallion lost to Raminator but came back as fast loser.  In the semi-finals Jimmy in the Black Stallion tromped all over the Iron Man. The racing finals saw the Black Stallion vs Raminator with the win going to the Dodge.  Raminator lost a drive shaft in the racing finals which put him in the pits and unable to make it out for freestyle.  The Black Stallion broke a housing with the first hit off the cars and was unable to finish freestyle.  Grave Digger the Legend took the freestyle win.  Saturday afternoons show can be described as “destructive.”  The Legend won all three competitions; wheelie, racing and freestyle.  The Black Stallion came in 3rd place for the wheelie and freestyle competitions.  Legend and Raminator rolled in freestyle causing some major damage to the trucks.  Predator had damage to his truck as well causing him to be unable to compete in the afternoon show.  Jimmy behind the wheel of the Stallion lost the round one match to the Legend but came back to the semi-finals as fast loser and lost a second time to Iron Man.  There was a lot of frenzy going on in the pits in order to get every thing fixed for Saturday nights show.

Saturday night was primed for action as the anxious fans sat in the stands awaiting the start of the show.  Both Raminator and Predator made it back for the evening show but they just weren’t running their best.  The Black Stallion took 3rd in the wheelie competition.  Racing saw the Stallion put down Prowler in round one but when he lined up against Legend in the semi-finals he lost.  Jimmy went on to score 3rd place again in freestyle.  In a repeat performance Grave Digger the Legend won all three competitions at the PM show. 

Denver CO
Pepsi Center - February 12-13, 2011

All photos by John Roberts & Kevin Berryman
Competing Trucks; Black Stallion driven by Michael Vaters, Iron Warrior driven by Trey Myers, Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Tasmanian Devil and Stone Crusher. 
Saturday afternoon started off with the wheelie contest where Vaters behind the wheel of the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion positioned the truck vertical as it sailed across and cleared the line of cars.  Vaters took a respectable 3rd place in the competition behind Digger and Stone Crusher.....what were the judges thinking? 

In racing Trey in the Warrior was beat by the Tasmanian Devil and the Stallion went to the semi-finals against the Devil but missed the win by half a tire at the finish line.  Tasmanian Devil went on to beat Grave Digger in the finals for the win. In monster freestyle action the Stallion held back a bit as it was only the first show of 3 for the weekend.  Vaters pulled off a fast paced high-flying spectacle putting big air under the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion.  The crowd ate it up and was on their feet roaring there approval in the big stadium.  Grave Digger took the freestyle win.  The team took the trucks back to the pits to prepare for Saturday nights show.  On Saturday night Grave Digger won both wheelie and the freestyle competition.  Tasmanian Devil took the racing win.

Sunday afternoon Michael Vaters was letting it all hang out for the last show of the weekend.  The all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion powered its way into the finals by eliminating each truck that lined up against it.  Vaters had the pedal to the floor but was unable to take the win in the finals from Tazmanian Devil who was on a winning race streak this weekend.  Monster freestyle was insane.  The Black Stallion came out and hit all the obstacles in every direction zig zagging back and forth across the large stadium floor.  Digger and Stone Crusher tied for first and Vaters’ in the all Ford Powered Black Stallion came in second.   

Hartford CT
XL Center - February 12-13, 2011

Trucks Competing at the XL Center in Hartford were:  The Black Stallion 2 driven by James Tracey, El Toro Loco, Monster Mutt, Crushstation, Equalizer, Hot Tamale and Thrasher.  

On Saturday afternoon the fans were ready and excited to see some monster truck action.  Houston we have lift off as Tracey launched the Black Stallion into the air.  Both hits were high altitude giving Jimmy 3rd place in the competition.  Crustation who is well known for its wheelies took the win from his New England fans. 

 
In racing the Stallion raced its way into the semi-finals but lost to Monster Mutt.  Equalizer would beat the Mutt in finals to take the racing win.  Freestyle action was fast paced and crazy as each driver tried to out do the previous truck’s run but it was El Toro Loco who scored the highest in this competition.  The fans were the winners this afternoon at the XL Center.  
Saturday night the track conditions were perfect for big car crushing air and lots of bite for the monster tires in racing.  Crustation put on the best show for the fans as he got sideways after the first launch off the cars and rolled the “Monstah Lobstah.”  He was unable to perform his second wheelie so he didn’t get the win “technically.”  Tracey in the Stallion gave it his best two hits but was unable to beat the Mutt who took the win.

In racing the Stallion went out in the first round beaten by the dog and El Toro Loco worked its way through the elimination rounds for the win. 

Sunday afternoon the fans were lined up early at the XL Center to get in and see some monster style destruction.  El Toro Loco was on a roll and won all three competitions but it wasn’t easy he had to work for it.  The trucks let it all hang out as it was the last show for the weekend with fast paced action, big air and impossible saves.  The excited fans lined up around the concourse and waited for hours to get the drivers autographs and to let them know what a great job they all had done.

Check out the action!!!
2011 Denver CO Black Stallion Freestyle  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GJCxXwvIeg
2011 Denver CO Black Stallion Freestyle  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9qmtSHQIWg
2011 Hartford CT Black Stallion vs Monster Mutt  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMKWCYvq338
2011 Hartford CT Black Stallion Freestyle  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAKOysQJToY

Indianapolis IN - Lucas Oil Stadium
Photos by Krysta Sylvester, Michael Harry, Paul Harry, Andrew Pellegrine
The FOURTEEN Competing Trucks; Black Stallion driven by Michael Vaters, Iron Warrior driven by Trey Myers, Grave Digger, Dragons Breath, Maximum Destruction, Air Force Afterburner, Lucas Oil Crusader, Superman, Bounty Hunter, Iron Outlaw,  Bad Habit, Rap Attack, Michigan Ice Monster and Ground Pounder.

 It had been several years since the team had competed in Indianapolis and Michael Vaters was glad to bring the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion back to his old stomping grounds.  Way back when in 1983.....Vaters’ drove his lifted street truck over 500 miles to a 4-Wheel Drive Jamboree in Indianapolis.  He had designed and built rear steering on the Stallion and won “Best Engineered” award.  Vaters and Myers were thrilled to meet the excited Indy fans at the huge pit party celebration before the event.

 The track at the Lucas Oil stadium was a standard Chicago style but had some layout problems.  The cars that were placed in the turns for the trucks to steer around were placed to far out of the racing lane which caused the trucks to have difficulty lining up for the jumps.  Luckily the problem was identified during qualifications and corrected before racing started. 

Trey in Iron Warrior took out Dragon’s Breath that debuted this year by Feld Motorsports.  Ground Pounder advanced to the second round after defeating Black Stallion in a very close race finish. During round two of racing Trey Myers in Iron Warrior put up a strong fight against Maximum Destruction, but came up a few trucks lengths short and the World Finals Champion moved on into the semi-finals.  In the end the Lucas Oil Crusader won the racing competition in the Lucas Oil Stadium.

Iron Warrior Racing round 2 against Maximum Destruction;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L6sXueIcdc

Michael Vaters piloting the all Ford Powered K&N Black Stallion performed “a textbook freestyle” said one of the track officials said.  Vaters poured on the power with good throttle rhythm to keep up a fast paced run hitting all of the obstacles multiple times.   The Stallion soared over the car stacks getting big air and seemed to land effortlessly in the well designed truck.  The Black Stallion was the first truck to tackle the camper and finished it off flattening the obstacle with the last hit of his freestyle run.  The action was fantastic and the trucks that followed him had to bump it up another notch.  You can view Vaters’ freestyle just follow the link below.

Black Stallion Freestyle run
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY9udmvrOHc
 

Salisbury MD
Wicomico Center - January 28-29, 2011

Mooresville, NC (February 21, 2011)  Roush Yates Ford FR9 engines continued their awesome exhibition of engineering and power as three different NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing teams swept the top three finishing positions in Sunday's 53^rd running of the Daytona 500.  In an oddity of new combining with old, the oldest racing team in the garage, the legendary Wood Brothers No. 21, produced the youngest winner in the history of the 500-mile event as youngster Trevor Bayne - who turned 20 the day before - brought a Roush Yates engine to a frenzied victory lane.

Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards and Front Row Motorsports' David Gilliland rounded out the top three. 

"This was an awesome weekend for Roush Yates Engines," said Doug Yates, CEO of Roush Yates Engines.  "I'm proud of our engineers for being able to adjust on the fly as NASCAR threw us curve balls throughout practice, qualifying, and even the night before the race.  Our engines continually withstood higher temperatures in the two car draft and we were able to push longer than any manufacturer.  To have three different teams finish 1-2-3 in the Great American Race says a lot for our company and personnel. We were proud to help the Wood Brothers get back into Victory Lane."

It was only Bayne's second career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start and the first win for Wood Brothers Racing in almost ten years.  Roush Yates Engines and Wood Brothers Racing have a long standing relationship.

"If I tried to put it into words, I wouldn't be doing it any justice," said Daytona 500 Champion Trevor Bayne. "Roush Yates and Wood Brothers Racing gave me a rocket ship that definitely did me a lot of justice today.  Anybody I hooked up with was headed to the front.  To get this win in our second-ever race, that's setting a standard."

Bayne's Sunday win marked the second time in three years that Roush Yates power has won the Daytona 500 (Matt Kenseth won in 2009).  Roush Yates engines have won the last three consecutive Sprint Cup Series races dating back to the final two races of 2010 with Edwards' back-to-back wins at Phoenix and Miami-Homestead, respectively.  Edwards clearly is the hottest driver in the sport with a first, first and second-place finish in his last three starts.

"This was certainly a nail-biter of a day for every engine builder in the garage," Yates continued.  "I have to hand it to all our guys in making the right adjustments that our predictability models showed. The new rules and new track configuration definitely made this race a challenge but our engines ran flawless the entire time and the hard work of this entire organization from top to bottom paid off."

Bayne's victory follows a superior start for Roush Yates' 2011 season with Scott Bloomquist becoming the first driver to ever sweep the World of Outlaws Late Model Series opening races on Saturday at Volusia Speedway Park.

Over 1,500 to 1,700 different Roush Yates Engines will race this year throughout all forms of professional motorsports including dirt late model, dirt modifieds, sprint cars, NASCAR, road racing, off-road trucks, and drag racing.  For more information on Roush Yates' engine programs and performance products, visit www.roushyatesparts.com.