QuickTips Presentation Team

QUICK TIPS ON WINNING IN LIFE PRESENTATION TEAM

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BiPolar Extreme Racing's Tabor Cresap and Jim Creagan presenting at Vancouver, Washington Boys & Girls Club

CHRIS RADO TO SHARE TIPS ON WINNING WITH
BURBANK BOYS & GIRLS CLUB MEMBERS

Chris Rado, a premier racer in several different types of motorsports endeavors, is set to share his secrets on winning with young Burbank Boys & Girls Club members.

Rado’s Quick Tips life skills presentations center on key universal truths RWC calls Quick Tips on Winning in Life, applicable to all children and teens regardless of age, cultural background, or life experience: find something to do in life that you really love, study – knowledge is power, learn the art of teamwork, find a mentor, take the long view, be flexible with your dreams and goals, avoid the path of least resistance, and more.

Rado, whose primary sponsor is family-owned/operated WORLD Electronics, is chiefly noted for his participation in import drag racing and time attack in the United States. Chris currently drives an 1800 hp factory-backed Scion tC in the Pro FWD category in the Battle of the Imports series. In addition to this, Chris also participates in time attack events, in the FWD Unlimited class in a 700 hp Scion tC, particularly in National Auto Sport Association (NASA) time attack, Super Street Super Lap Battles and Redline Time Attack.

So far for Chris’s 2008 season, he holds seven consecutive 1st place finishes, and another three runner-up finishes. Chris holds track records at venues all over the nation, and always sets out to break even his own records.

One of his more well-known achievements occurred in 2002 when he became the first PRO FWD into the "8s" (8.91 @ 159.8 MPH). This achievement would set the stage for Chris’s career to be known for setting the pace for everyone in the drag racing industry.

WHEN:

4:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 7, 2008

WHERE:

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF BURBANK
AND GREATER EAST VALLEY
2244 BUENA VISTA ST.
BURBANK, CA 91504

Contact: JAY JACKSON, 818/842-9333 EXT. 12, CHYNAMANJAX@YAHOO.COM

CHRIS RADO
JOINS L.A. QUICK TIPS ON WINNING IN LIFE PRESENTATION TEAM

Chris Rado, owner of and professional driver for WORLD Racing, was born July 30, 1975 in Reading, Pennsylvania. He is chiefly noted for his participation in import drag racing and time attack in the United States. Chris currently drives an 1800 hp factory-backed Scion tC in the Pro FWD category in the Battle of the Imports series. In addition to this, Chris also participates in time attack events, in the FWD Unlimited class in a 700 hp Scion tC, particularly in National Auto Sport Association (NASA) time attack, Super Street Super Lap Battles and Redline Time Attack.

So far for Chris’s 2008 season, he holds seven consecutive 1st place finishes, and another three runner-up finishes. Chris holds track records at venues all over the nation, and always sets out to break even his own records.

In 2002, Chris founded WORLD Motorsports which now has locations in Pennsylvania and California. As one of the leaders on the professional compact drag racing circuit, Chris has always been viewed as an innovator paving the way for others to follow. Chris is the owner of WORLD Racing, a professional drag race, time attack, and show circuit team that has captured the hearts of millions of motorsports fans over a thirteen year time span.

One of Chris’s most known achievements occurred in 2002 when he became the first PRO FWD into the "8s" (8.91 @ 159.8 MPH). This achievement would set the stage for Chris’s career to be known for setting the pace for everyone in the drag racing industry.

A large sponsor of Chris's is WORLD Electronics, his family business, which builds high-tech circuit boards for companies such as Lucent and other cutting-edge communications companies. The first product released was a hit in the import-racing world. The company's Total Boost Controller (TBC-1) is a proportional controller that allows the user to control boost over time, over gear, and over rpm. It is adjustable from 0-100 psi with accuracy claimed to be within .10-psi and comes with a built-in ignition retard. A super-high-contrast LCD screen makes entering input a snap even under harsh daylight conditions and it's shielded from RFI and EFI interference.
http://www.world-racing.com

Portland Presentation Team

Kellie and Joel LaFollette Join Portland Presentation Team

KELLIE LAFOLLETTE

Hometown: West Linn, Oregon

Years on the PPG Pace Car Team: 5

Racing Accomplishments: Kellie began racing in 1984, winning the Solo II A-Modified Championship. She switched to road racing open wheel formula cars in 1985, winning the first event she entered, and moved on to compete in the 1988 Escort Endurance Series, winning the Northwest Regional Championship in 1990. Her road racing career highlights include eight SCCA wins, 17 second place finishes, 14 third place finishes, nine pole positions, and bettering two lap records. Other racing honors include being awarded the Jamie Hughes Memorial Cup and the Oregon Region's R.E. Cup.

Career & Education: Kellie graduated with high honors from Idaho State University. She has been an elementary teacher for 25 years teaching grades 1-6 and Title 1A. She has been selected five times to Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and twice nominated for Disney's American Teacher Award. She has also worked as a teacher consultant on educational software.

Other interests: Kellie has completed the Portland Marathon and climbed Mt. St. Helens. She is active in her church and enjoys card making, scrapbooklrig; gardening, and fly-fishing.

JOEL LAFOLLETTE

Racing Accomplishments: Joel began racing SCCA Solo II in 1988, vaulting to the National Championships his first year. Twice Joel was Oregon E-Stock Champion. He switched to road racing in 1990 and moved on to become the Director of Operations at Pitarresi Racing School and Pro Drive at Portland International Raceway. Joel was a part of the 1992 Warren Miller Film Crew that did a special on IMSA GTP racing. His road racing career highlights include a fourth place finish in the 6-Hours of the Cascades Endro, 1991 Rose Cup Class Champion, multiple SCCA wins, and two lap records.

Career(s): Joel has worked in a broad spectrum of other fields. He has been an off-shore commercial fisherman, and a professional photographer with accounts that included Safeway, Volvo White, and Warren Wench. He has managed the racing school and skid-car activities at Portland International Raceway, and instructed other racers, as well as law enforcement officers, including the FBI, from coast to coast. He has managed multiple Oil Can Henry locations and is currently retail manager of Kaufmanns’ Streamborn, a large fly-fishing outfitter.

Volunteer Activities: Joel believes in making his time count and volunteers for several organizations. He is a streamside guide for Casting for Recovery, serving women with breast cancer. He leads an annual food drive for the families of River Grove Elementary School. Joel serves on the board of directors for Sharing the Water, an organization he founded to help those with life challenges fish.

Other interests: Joel is a published author. He has designed a number of fishing flies that are now commercially tied and sold. He maintains two websites: www.royaltreatmentflyfishing.com and www.uvlightburns.com. Joel hosted a radio segment on The Northwest Outdoor Show from 2003-2008.

Domonic Cicero Joins Portland Presentation Team

Dominic Cicero [Portland, OR] competes with Stevenson Motorsports, in their Crawford Z06 Corvette, on the Grand American Rolex series.

Cicero is also a consultant for all of the major car and tire manufactures in development and promotion of pre-production vehicles and products. He uses products and provides feedback that is used to design better products and to introduce the products to dealers and the public.

For several years, Cicero competed for Westernesse Racing LLC in Europe, North America and throughout the world progressing from junior Formula’s (Formula Renault) to (Renault V6) (Sub F1). His career progression was gauged by achieving set goals, and producing results allowing, him to move up motorsports ranks.

He developed and guided the team, including everything from organization of the team, to development of cars, to start-up of the Westernesse racing team’s operation.

Cicero has served as official spokesperson for numerous sponsors and organizations, making him very comfortable with public speaking and media interviews.

From 1998 to 2000, Cicero served in Le Mans, France and Portland Oregon as a professional factory racing driver and official spokesperson for ELF Oil and Renault Car Company, including weekly public speaking engagements.

He competed throughout Europe and Asia in the Formula Campus Classification, and was ranked as high as 4th in the Championship Series, with three races remaining, but had to pull out of contention to take care of his Father.

Cicero was offered a prestigious sponsorship, of which only three out of 30 drivers were selected, to drive for the La Filiere for a second season. He was selected for two assets: skill and marketability.

In 1997, Cicero attended the prestigious Winfield Racing School in Bandol, France, and as winner of the prestigious Pilote ELF Scholarship, was elected for international competition.

The School’s final competition, reputed to be the world’s most competitive driving competition, was among five drivers selected from a sequence of single elimination test sessions on the track. Fifty percent of the winners of the competition move on to the legendary Formula 1 race series.

The Pilote ELF competition began with fifty plus drivers from around the world. Cicero won the North American run-off promoting him to the world finals. The final five, four Europeans and Cicero, competed for the scholarship to race for ELF Oil Company and Renault Car Company. Cicero outdid himself, winning the competition, and launching his next career step as a professional factory racer for ELF Oil and Renault Car Company.

Prior to this, Cicero worked with Portland, Oregon-based Dan Obrist Racing, as a mechanic and race crew member on the NASCAR’s Late Model and Winston West Series. He also refurbished race cars and set them up for competition. He became very skilled with tools, understanding vehicle operations, and how to work as part of a team.

In 1989, Cicero began his professional driving career in professional Kart competition (Dirt Oval, Enduro, and Sprint), winning three National Championships, and numerous regional championships.

CINDI LUX JOINS RWC'S PORTLAND PRESENTATION TEAM

Racer Who Care spokesracer, Cindi Lux (Aloha, OR), is set to affirm and inspire Georgia High School students with Quick Tips on Winning in Life.

She will be taking time away from the track where she will be driving Team Mopar’s Dodge Viper Competition Coupe in the Sports Car Club of America’s World Challenge GT event as part of Road Atlanta’s 11th Annual Petit LeMans, October 1 – 3, 2008.

Lux, who has won a number of career championships and awards, is also a Member of National Women's Car Care Council and often conducts lectures to various groups on automotive safety and vehicle maintenance. Off the track she is an integral part of Lux Performance Group, which builds race cars. Additionally, Lux is an accomplished racing instructor.

Quick Tips presentations center on key universal truths RWC calls Quick Tips on Winning in Life, applicable to all children and teens regardless of age, cultural background, or life experience: find something to do in life that you really love, study, learn the art of teamwork, find a mentor, take the long view, be flexible with your dreams and goals, avoid the path of least resistance, and more.

Cindi Lux racing

TABOR CRESAP

My Name is Tabor Cresap and I was born in 1992. I have been competing in Hill climb races since I was 12 years old in the MSSHA circuit and then moved to the RMSHA circuit when I turned 14 years old. I am currently a Junior in Battle Ground High School.

I love riding and competing. I am not real fond of the extremely long car rides to go to all the races, but you gotta do what ya gotta do!

My goal is to be the points champion every year and take first at the World Championships in Jackson, Wyoming.

I love riding riding my Arctic Cat sled for fun and competition, and skateboarding when I am at home and hanging out with my friends

This year I drove for the first time in the “BITD” “Vegas to Reno” race in the Arctic Cat Prowler and took 6th in class, and am planning on driving again in the 2008 Baja 1000 in Mexico.

JIM CREAGAN

My name is Jim Creagan I was born in 1961 and have been competing in Hillclimb races since 2005 in the Pro-Master class.

I got started in it because it is a lot of fun and I was coming to all of the races anyway with my son.

I am also a driver/co-driver in our Desert Racing Division. We race ProTrucks and the Arctic Cat “Prowler” in the UTV class.

This is what I do for fun either racing in the Desert or on the Snow and when I am not doing those I enjoy camping, hunting and fishing.

I am hoping to make a good showing at Jackson, Wyoming, and not tear up my sled too badly!

QUICK TIPS COORDINATION TEAM

RWC’s volunteer Coordinators work directly with professional racers, setting up and coordinating their Quick Tips on Winning in Life presentations to children and teens, both in the greater Los Angeles area, and throughout the country, near the tracks where they compete.

We cordially invite you to join us and become a Quick Tips Coordinator. If you love motorsports, this is an outstanding way for you to work directly with pros! Contact us at: racerscare@aol.com or: 323/962-1832

STEPHANIE BARAHONA

Stephanie Barahona, is a 17 year old senior at Los Angeles’ South East High School.

Among her goals is to graduate from high school and college. She is interested in a career in cosmetology and dreams of owning a beauty salon.

Of European, Native American, African and Salvadorian descent, Stephanie has lived in South Central Los Angeles nearly all of her life, and is the third of six children.

She has always loved to help others in need. “I do every thing I can with much love and respect,” Stephanie exclaims about working with Racers Who Care.

CHARLENE MASON

Charlene is a professional photographer and artist.

She is also a distributor of MonaVie, a fruit drink loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which promote good health and healing.

In addition to setting up and coordinating racer presentations, she also attends and takes photos for Racers Who Care.

She comes from a family of motorsports enthusiasts and recalls attending many races while growing up.

DENISE POON

Denise came to California from Hong Kong.

She is a licensed clinical social worker, who studied at the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work.

Since graduation, she has worked with adolescent juvenile delinquents undergoing intensive therapeutic treatment.

“It caught my attention that racers are able to connect and educate youths and children through their own life experiences, letting them know that there will be challenges along the way,” she states.

JUDY STRAWN

Judy founded Racers Who Care in 1993, and developed the Quick Tips on Winning in Life presentation program.

She has set up and coordinated the presentations since their inception, and is training Charlene and Denise.

“I am SUPER happy to have Charlene and Denise working with me now, and fervently hope that more coordinators and racers will join us soon,” Strawn declares.

SWARTZBAUGH TEAMS UP WITH RWC

2008 American LeMans Series competitor, Nathan Swartzbaugh, is teaming up with Racers Who Care’s National Child’s Day Celebration SoCal community outreach program.

He will be making Quick Tips on Winning in Life presentations in greater Los Angeles throughout 2008 and 2009, and possibly as he travels about competing in American LeMans Series races.

Swartzbaugh began his career at the age of 14, by winning the NASA Pro-Truck Tour. In 2006, just 21 years old, he won the IMSA Grand Am GT3 presented by Michilen Series Championship for Porsche.

People who visit Swartzbaugh’s website first encounter this sum up of his winning attitude:

“The man who makes a success of an important venture never wails for the crowd. He strikes out for himself. It takes nerve, it takes a great lot of grit; but the man that succeeds has both. Anyone can fail. The public admires the man who has enough confidence in himself to take a chance. These chances are the main things after all. The man who tries to succeed must expect to be criticized. Nothing important was ever done but the greater number consulted previously doubted the possibility. Success is the accomplishment of that which most people think can't be done.”

C. V. White

Nathan also looks to family and friends for guidance and support:

Nathan has been very successful in racing because of the people who surround him. Coming from a very supportive family and making friends with other Pro drivers like Craig Stanton, Patrick Long, Ross Thompson, Wolf Henzler, and Dominic Farnbacher have given him the right tools to make a successful career in auto racing. “Everyday I look to my mentors for guidance in racing, finances, and life in general. I believe that I am the luckiest guy on earth to have the friends and Family that I have to support me,” he reports.

www.nathanswartzbaugh.com

RYAN "THE ROCKET" REGALADO JOINS L.A. PRESENTATION TEAM

About Ryan Regalado

Ryan "The Rocket" Regalado is a motorcycle road racer in Southern California participating in the WERA West (#148) and WSMC (#648) motorcycle clubs. He began his racing career in 2006 with impressive wins in two novice championships in the western region with the WERA road racing organization. Ryan won his road races with a custom-built 2007 Honda CBR 600RR motorcycle across the _WERA West_ (http://www.wera.com/) , _WSMC_ (http://www.wsmcracing.com/) and _AFM_ (http://www.afmracing.org/) organizations. He recently secured a regional championship in 2007 in WERA and is racing a Yamaha R6 in 2008.
Visit: http://ryanregalado.com

RWC'S BOARD CHAIR MOVES TO SOCAL

Scott Horner, Chair of RWC's Board of Directors, recently relocated from Las Vegas to Southern California, and will be actively involved in making racer presentations in the area.

Horner, who is retired from the U.S. Air Force, where he was a desert warfare instructor, also moved his business, HeadsUp PerformanceTurbos, to Southern California. As part of HeadsUp Performance Turbos, he has just put finishing touches on a competition motorcycle he built for Leslie Porterfield, who he estimates has great promise of setting a world land speed record in women's competition with it at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Located adjacent to the Pomona, California Los Angeles County Fairgrounds (site of National Hot Rod Association championship races), Horner has years of experience producing stout, reliable powerplants for vehicles that utilize the big Japanese in-line four motorcycle engines, Sandrails, Mini Sprints, and Dwarf Cars.

He has distinguished himself by manufacturing and installing turbo systems on late model motorcycles and motorcycle powered Sandrails. His specialty is Suzuki Hayabusa turbos for Sandrails and street driven motorcycles and turbo systems for fuel injected ATV’s such as the Yamaha Raptor 700.

Scott himself is a world land speed record holder in naked bike competition at Bonneville. He entered, and is a lifetime member of the prestigious Bonneville 200 MPH Club, with an initial record speed of 205.589, then beating his own record at 217.850 MPH, scored on a Suzuki Hayabusa he built himself. He has also set a new world speed record in naked bike competition at the El Mirage dry lake bed (206.761), and has vaulted into the El Mirage 200 MPH Club, where he is now a lifetime member.

Bonneville competition was a childhood dream realized.

Horner's next goal is 250 MPH!

He joined RWC in 1994, and immediately began making presentations in the Las Vegas area. He has also assisted with RWC exhibits at Las Vegas Speedway and in SEMA auto aftermarket products trade shows in Vegas.

In 1991, Horner founded the American Motorsports Safety Association, focused on youth education. He initiated and sponsored a high school drag racing program in Las Vegas. In 1998, RWC's Board of Directors voted him its Chair, a position he still holds.

Visit: http://www.headsupturbos.com

Scott Horner (on left)

MEDIA ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"As I recall, I was one once," says NHRA MTS RACING'S SCHUMACHER DODGE Fuel Funny Car competitor, Fast Jack Beckman, about his Racers Who Care Quick Tips on Winning in Life presentations, here to the Santa Monica YMCA's after school program participants. Beckman is an NHRA Super Comp Champion and is Chief Instructor for Frank Hawley's NHRA Drag Racing School. The SoCal Quick Tips on Winning in Life project is a community outreach of Racers Who Care's National Child's Day Celebration proposed for May 31 and June 1, 2008 on Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade. (Photo by Charlene Mason)

FAST JACK TO INSPIRE AFTER SCHOOL CROWD!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HOLLYWOOD, CA
SCBA # 725708-692 PU

WHO:

Racer Who Care spokesracer, champion National Hot Rod Association speedster, Fast Jack Beckman, to inspire Santa Monica YMCA After Schoolers with personalized Quick Tips on Winning in Life, based on his own life/career experiences.

Beckman currently races the Don Schumacher Racing Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger R/T Fuel Funny Car. Presently, Chief Instructor at Pomona’s Frank Hawley NHRA Drag Racing School, he has taught nearly 6,500 racing students. His fastest speed is 333.33 mph. Beckman was 2003 NHRA Super Comp Champion.

WHEN:

4:00 p.m., Friday, November 30, 2007

WHERE:

Santa Monica, California, YMCA
1332 6th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310/393-2721

WHY:

The Quick Tips on Winning in Life racer presentations to children’s groups, schools, hospitals and other Greater Los Angeles locales, are a community outreach of Racer Who Care’s proposed 2008 National Child’s Day Celebration, May 31-June 1, 2008, at Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade.

They are also an avenue through which professional racers can give back to the communities where they live and race.

QUOTE:

“As I understand it, I was once one!” -- Jack Beckman, father of son just learning to walk, on why he is enthusiastic about teaching and sharing with children.

“Treat others as you want to be treated. Stick to your goals and maintain a positive outlook.” -- Jack Beckman, on best Quick Tips he ever received.

CONTACT:

FOR JACK BECKMAN: JUDY STROPUS, JSTROPUS@EARTHLINK.NET

FOR RACERS WHO CARE, INC and NATIONAL CHILD’S DAY CELEBRATION.: JUDY STRAWN, RACERSCARE@AOL.COM

FURTHER INFORMATION:

WWW.GOFASTJACK.COM
WWW.NATIONALCHILDSDAY.COM

-- ### --

Drag racing champion, Fast Jack Beckman, has joined RWC’s Quick Tips presentation team, and will be making as many as 20 presentations in schools, hospitals and kids’ groups throughout the L.A. area per year. Beckman, who is Chief Instructor for the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School in Pomona, California, professionally competes on the National Hot Rod Association in the Mail Terminal Services Fuel Funny Car.

* 2006: Took over in the Matco Tools Dodge after Indy and raced to his first career win at Las Vegas 2; Set both ends of the Funny Car national record at Pomona 2 (with the E.T. mark of 4.662 seconds and speed of 333.66 mph); Qualified for all five events entered and is perfect 17-for-17 for his career.

* 2006: Switched to Funny Car at Dallas event; Won Las Vegas 2 event in just his fourth Funny Car start.

* 2005: Earned Top Fuel license; Made professional debut in Las Vegas; Raced to semifinal finish at Englishtown; Qualified for all 12 events entered and a season-high eighth at two events; Qualified 16th for the prestigious Mac Tools U.S. Nationals; Nominated for Auto Club Road to the Future Award recognizing NHRA’s top rookie.

* 2004: NHRA Division 7 Person of the Year; Won Super Comp at Division 7 Lucas Oil Series event at Infineon Raceway.

* 2003: Won NHRA National Championship in Super Comp, taking over the points lead at the final event of the season.

* 2003: Won Super Comp title at Division 7 Lucas Oil Series divisional events in Sacramento and Las Vegas; Won Super Comp at the season-opening Winternationals at Pomona Raceway.

* 1992: Appeared in first NHRA national event final with a runner-up finish at the Fram Autolite Nationals in Sonoma, Calif.

10/06-Present: Funny Car Driver for Don Schumacher Racing in the Mail Terminal Services Dodge Charger R/T.

11/98-Present: Chief Instructor for the Frank Hawley NHRA Drag Racing School in Pomona, CA.

* Team is sponsored by Rodger and Karen Comstock of Mail Terminal Services who are avid sportsman racers.

* Has driven a variety of cars including a front-engine Nostalgia Dragster, a nitro-burning Nostalgia Funny Car, and a Super Comp dragster.

* Enjoys working out, bracket racing, riding motorcycles and music and drag racing trivia.

* Cancer survivor: Was diagnosed with lymphoma in late 2003 and spent much of the 2004 season receiving chemotherapy treatments. Was told in early 2005 that his cancer is in remission and currently spends much time supporting cancer-related charities and causes.

Family: Wife - Jenna / Father - Bob / Brother - Ted / Son - Jason Russell Beckman

Hobbies: Surfing, motorcycle riding, going to the movies, and working out when I’m not lazy.

I got my start in racing... in 1973 my uncle John began to take my brother and I to OCIR, Ontario, Irwindale and Bakersfield, and I was immediately hooked. I made my first run (a 15.06) at Lubbock Dragway in Texas while I was serving in the military.

Sportsman: just about EVERYTHING; working on the car in my garage, towing to the races, making the ‘perfect run’, WINNING, and all of the friends that I spend time with.

Pro: qualifying at or near the top, driver intros Sunday morning, listening to the National Anthem before suiting up, and the crew’s reaction when we win.

Most unusual day at the races... driving three cars (blown alcohol FED, blown alcohol altered, and nostalgia nitro funny car) on the same day. Also, driving two cars (Top Fuel and Super Comp) plus “cackling” a 1970 Top Fueler at the 2005 Finals.

Most embarrassing moment at the races: I was racing my ElCamino and came up late one evening for a ‘time only’ run after eliminations. The starter motioned at his head, signaling something. I thought he was giving me an “all clear” sign, so I gave him a “thumbs up”. Again he gestured at his head, and just as I was getting ready to give him another acknowledgement, I happened to notice a large red object in my peripheral vision sitting in the passenger seat. That’s right about the time I realized that a Valvoline cap was on my head-not my red helmet! (There are plenty of other stories that I’ll share eventually).

Sportsman: Keeping the car fresh, serviced, and race ready while maintaining a full time job and trying to keep up with the bills, towing all night after a day of work to get to the races, and towing all night Sunday after the race, knowing that I need to be at work at 7:30am Monday.

Pro: Keeping up with the schedule when we need to do appearances, photos, meet and greets, and hospitality on the same day as we run. Also, feeling like I’ve let down my crew if I make mistakes on a run.

The best car I ever had... Sportsman Category - The Blackbird Super Comp dragster has been with me since 1995. I’ve made more than 1500 runs in it and it feels like a second skin. (Pro)- My current ride, the DSR/MTS Dodge Charger that owns both records. This car is one badass hot rod!

Sportsman: The 2004 Jeg’s All-Stars final round stands out. I was still going through chemotherapy and I had scheduled my treatments around that race. I left first against Jim Perry (the defending champ) and I should have been able to translate that into a win. A win at the All-Stars is very prestigious, and I did a poor job of driving the finish line and broke out. I sure would have liked a “do-over” on that. (I did race Jim AGAIN later that same night-in the third round of the National event-and was fortunate to beat him, but I would gladly have swapped places with him.

Pro: Losing to John Force in the final round of the World Finals while running the quickest run in the history of Funny Car. John rolled in a bunch while staging, but those who don’t understand think that he left on me and consider it a holeshot loss.

Favorite opponent: I always seem to have close races against Brent Cannon and Tom Bayer, two of my close friends. Jenna and I have had some good ones. And folks like Rampy, Ferderer, Erks, and the Richardsons always demand my best. I enjoyed running Tony Schumacher in the Top Fueler, and pulling up next to Scelzi, Capps or Force is like a dream come true!

Last person I’d want to race in a final... Who cares, I’m in the final!!

The race I’ll never forget... My first national event win at the 1998 Winternationals. I was in a borrowed car, and it was just a “fairy tale” weekend getting into the winner’s circle. The round I’ll never forget is the fourth round of the 2003 Finals that locked up the World Championship for me. My Top Fuel debut in Vegas in 2005 was awesome, and winning Funny Car in Vegas in 2006.

If I wasn’t a racer, I would... have a nicer house, drive a newer car, have a boat, travel more, and spend more time with family and friends. I also would probably be a pain to be around.

I knew I’d made it when... suiting up for my first race in the Top Fuel car while listening to the National Anthem was about as good as it gets. Making the cover of National Dragster after winning in the Funny Car is what every racer dreams of. It just seemed so surreal. Winning the Super Comp National Championship was a wonderful achievement that I cherish.

Lifelong hero: What my parents did for my brother and I will probably become even more significant to me as I watch my child grow. They made the “right” decisions, not necessarily the “easy” ones. People who sacrifice for others and folks who overcome adversity get a vote from me.

I’m really good at... I like people, and I think that caring makes me a good teacher. I’m good at blocking out distractions and focusing on what needs to get done in the racecar.

Favorite movies: Shawshank Redemption, Groundhog Day, Remember the Titans.
Favorite entertainers: John Force and Gary Scelzi
Favorite actors: Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Robin Williams
Favorite CD: Boston’s debut album / Any ‘hair band’ ballad albums
Favorite song: Sister Christian by Night Ranger
Favorite music: Classic rock and any “hair band” 80’s rock.
Favorite TV shows: Anything on the History Channel. I also like House, and I really enjoy the writing on Scrubs. The UFC is very exciting.
Favorite Website: NHRA.com
Favorite foods: Bob’s Big Boy. I enjoy most all foods, as long as it’s not too spicy, or raw.
Favorite sports team: I grew up a Dodger’s fan, but I think people get too hyped up about the home team without thinking about why they are fans. Now I usually just like to see a good contest and appreciate the team that plays best.
Pet peeves: Inconsiderate and rude people, disingenuous people who have ulterior motives, and people who like to pat their own backs about everything.
Personal vehicles: ’01 PT Cruiser, 2000 Ford Motorhome (tows Blackbird), ’96 Nissan PU (235K miles), Kawasaki Vulcan 1500, ’68 El Camino (my first car-took my driving test in it on my 16th B-day. -also my first racecar-).
Biggest regrets: I lost my mother to cancer when she was 50. I wish that I could have done more for her. She gave up a lot for me my entire life. I also regret not getting more formal education, but I still can do that.

People I most admire in racing:
John Force for the person he is even more than his driving abilities (though he is the best). He is such a lovable, caring person and does so much for others;

Don Garlits for being the Renaissance Man of drag racing- he has done EVERYTHING from building chassis’, engines and experimental vehicles to booking appearances, driving, opening a museum, and writing. He was involved at a time when the rules allowed much ‘free thinking’, and he was able to excel due to his abilities and work ethic. He was tough through four decades;

Bob Glidden for showing what was possible to someone who put in 24 hours a day seven days a week;

I admire so many of the pioneers like Art Chrisman and the hitters in the ‘60’s and 70’s like James Warren, Shirley Muldowney and dozens of others who are my ‘Babe Ruth’s’;

A guy that I thought highly of 15 years ago who I now think is one of the greatest thinkers on the planet is Frank Hawley;

And, as far as just plain tough to beat people, throw in Scelzi, Austin Coil, and Alan Johnson.

Nobody knows I... dropped out of high school and eventually took the GED........got my nickname from the “FJ” on my Yamaha FJ600 that I owned while in the Air Force.......spent almost 11 years as an elevator repairman....can be the laziest man on the planet........really don’t like talking on the phone.

I wish I could stop...sleeping in when I don’t have to be somewhere at a given time........procrastinating.........getting so many phone calls each day.

I’d give anything to meet...Jesus.......the founding fathers........Abe Lincoln.......the Wright brothers.....Babe Ruth.

Modern conveniences I can’t live without...the cell phone. The internet and cable TV are right there as well.

I’m better than anyone at...dealing with high-stress situations. I’m really good at taking two hours to do a one hour job. Oh yeah, I rock at music trivia and drag race history.

I hope I never have to...go through cancer again or have a loved one become gravely ill.

Smartest thing I’ve ever done...enlisting in the Air Force. I learned a lot about discipline and developed many skills..........never stopped chasing my dream of Professional racing.

Dumbest thing I’ve ever done...not taking advantage of travel and education while in the Air Force.

Best time of my life...right now! I’m racing, married, expecting my first child, and was able to survive cancer and understand how many people care about me without having to die.

Worst time of my life...losing my mother in 1994 to cancer........going through cancer myself and not knowing whether or not I was going to live.

Best advice I ever received...Treat others as you want to be treated. Stick to your goals and maintain a positive outlook.

Worst advice I ever received...you’ll never make a living around those cars.

Advice to aspiring racers: Race within your means and enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy racing, find something else. Don’t gloat in you successes, and take the losses as an education. Never be a poor sport. Be dignified.

Jack Beckman, chief instructor at the California school, holds licenses in eight NHRA categories and has driven Top Fuel Dragsters, Nitro Funny Cars, Top Alcohol Dragsters, Top Alcohol Funny Cars, Front Engine Nostalgia Dragsters and Super Comp Dragsters.

After winning the 2003 NHRA World Championship in Super Comp, Jack drove the Menards Top Fuel Dragster for the 2005 season. In 2006 Jack started driving the Matco Tools Nitro Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing. In his 4th start he won the Nationals in Las Vegas and followed two weeks later with a runner-up in Funny Car at the Auto Club Finals in Pomona. At that meet Jack also got a national record and became the fastest Funny Car driver in history at 333.66 mph.

Jack Beckman came to Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School having served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force, and has instructed thousands of students at Frank Hawley’s NHRA Drag Racing School.