Powermasters Starters and Alternators to support the GDRA in 2011!!!

For immediate release!!!
December 17, 2010
Palatine, IL

The Gamblers Drag Racing Association would like to welcome Powermaster Perfromance Starters and Alternators as an Official Marketing Partner for the 2011 racing season. Details on special promotions and discounts for GDRA participants will be released in the upcoming months. We here at the GDRA would like to thank John, Denise, PK, Dave, and everyone at Powermaster for their support in the 2011 season and beyond.

Stop on over at www.PowermasterMotorsports.com and see what they have to offer you and your race car!!!

Powermaster Starters and Alternators

Powermaster Manufacturing Facility:
1833 Downs Drive
West Chicago, IL 60185

Tech Line: 630-849-7754 (or email)
Sales/ Customer Service: 630-957-4019 (or email)
Fax: 630-876-2967

While we know that most of our racers are busy working on things for 2011, we here are hard at work getting things in order and making things happen for next season. An open door racers meeting will be taking place after the holidays and more information will be forthcoming on date, time, and location. From all of us at the GDRA to all the racers, families, fans, track personal, and everyone else, have a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday season, and enjoy the New Year. Be safe and get those cars ready. See everyone in 2011!!!

Congrats to the GDRA All-in Showdown Winner and Runner Up!!!

A job well done by Ken Kendall who for the 3rd time this season would take home top honors this time at the GDRA All-in Showdown. Don Mateicka would get the Runner-Up spot and the Semi-Finalists were George Mantis and Kevin Harrison. Each of these drivers took home a huge chunk of cash and prizes in what was the largest payout of the 2010 racing season. Steve Peterson grabbed the number 1 qualifier honors and his share of the cash. Congrats to all the racers of the GDRA on a great season!!! It was a fun year and we hope to see everyone next season. Stay tuned to the website for updates and happenings for the 2011 racing season as they are being worked on as we speak and there are sure to be bigger and better things in store for the GDRA.

Gamblers Drag Racing Association All-In Showdown --- BIGGEST PAYOUT OF 2010!!!

October 9th, 2010 the Gamblers Drag Racing Association and Harrison Metals present the All-In Showdown!!! This is the last race for 2010 and it has been on heck of an amazing inaugural season. With things taking place in preparation for 2011 we wanted to end this season with a bang. So we bring you the guaranteed highest payout this season. Thousands in CASH and PRIZES to be won thanks to the support of many great marketing partners as listed below.

Harrison Metals, Undercover Innovations, Varsity Pub,Victory Performance Parts, Angry Beaver Racing, Sticker Dude Designs, Percision Machine Tool, Lawson Products, Zimmerman Ford, Powermaster Performance Starters, UBS Commercial Snow and Ice Removal, Matco Tools - Tony Orts Distributor, Snap-On Tools - Mark Stuchel Distributor, D. Wells Goodyear, Valvoline, Duncan Racecars, Specialty Graphics, RPM Magazine, and Servic Network.

We would also like to take the time to thank Great Lakes Dragaway, their staff, and all the other supports of the GDRA. You are the reason our first season was such a huge hit! We have some big things happening for 2011 and next year will be even better. Thank you all for your support and for help making the GDRA what it is today.

Come on out and check out the action on the track. Gates open at 8AM. Take the time in between to check out the drivers rides, grab some GDRA merchandise, watch some of the other events taking place, or grab yourself some good eats at the Great Lakes Dragaway concession stand. Weather is looking like its going to a beautiful autumn day and what better way to spend it other than watchin cars blast down the 1320???

Who's gonna take home their share of the cash? Come out and see for your self!!!

Congrats to the GDRA Race #6 (Day 2) Winners!!!

Sadly rain prevented us from completing the event on Sunday, September 5th, 2010. With the event called and the Semi-Final round still not run, the remaining 4 drivers were given some options on how this could play out. 3 of the 4 drivers were unable to stay over and complete the event on Monday (Labor Day) so the final decision was to split the payouts equally. Each driver ended up taking home a nice handful of cash to complete their racing weekend.

Congrats to the GDRA Race #6 Winner and Runner-Up!!!

Gamblers Drag Racing Association Races 6 & 6 1/2 --- Labor Day Weekend

This coming weekend September 4th and 5th, the Gamblers Drag Racing Association will hold its 6th race as part of the Time Machine Nationals at Great Lakes Dragaway. If you have not competed in one of our events you are not gonna want to miss this one cause for our final race, October 9th, the payouts are going to be CRAZY HUGE!!! The only stipulation is that you must have participated in at least 1 regular GDRA event this season to secure a spot in race 7 which will be the largest CASH payout this season. We are getting lots of support from several new marketing partners jumping on board for that race. More details to come but if you want in for the BIG BUCK SHOOTOUT in October, you must enter and participate this upcoming weekend!!!

This weekend we'll have a field of 16 or more cars battling it out on both days. We will run all cars that are entered and that means this race will have a $2000 or more to win payout!!! Biggest one of the season so far and yes... its all CASH!!!

Come on out and check out the action on the track. Gates open at 8AM. Take the time in between to check out the drivers rides, grab some GDRA merchandise, watch some of the other events taking place, or grab yourself some good eats at the Great Lakes Dragaway concession stand. Weather is looking like its going to be perfect and what better way to spend a terrific summer day than watchin cars blast down the 1320???

Who's gonna take home their share of the cash? Come out and see for your self!!!

Congrats to the GDRA Race #5 Winner and Runner-Up!!!

Gamblers Drag Racing Association Race #5

Saturday, August 7th the Gamblers Drag Racing Association will hold its 5th race presented by Angry Beaver Racing and Victory Performance Parts as part of the Nitrous Street Car Brawl at Great Lakes Dragaway. Sadly the last race was called due to rain prior to even getting one car down the track for qualifying. With all the racers ready to murder mother nature, they all decided to roll their entry into the August 7th event!!! We also had a bunch of GDRA regulars that we unable to attend that last race for one reason or another so that can mean only 1 thing for this upcoming race... THE LARGEST FIELD OF THE SEASON! That's right, we'll have a field of over 16 cars for this battle. We will run all cars that are entered and this will be a HUGE payout!!! Biggest one of the season and yes... its all CASH!!!

And remember all former True Street Drag Racing Association members, there is no membership fee with the GDRA, no points, and with rules as open as these, you ride is bound to fit in!!! We'd love to have you as racers and welcome everyone that is looking for a new place to call "home." So come on out and play with the association that has had the biggest CASH payouts in the Midwest all season long!

Come on out and check out the action on the track. Gates open at 8AM... Qualifying starts around 3PM and eliminations around 6PM. Take the time in between to check out the drivers rides, grab some GDRA merchandise, watch some of the other events taking place, or grab yourself some good eats at the Great Lakes Dragaway concession stand. Weather is looking like its going to be perfect and what better way to spend a terrific summer day than watchin cars blast down the 1320???

Who's gonna take home their share of the cash? Come out and see for your self!!!

Looking for a place to call "home?" See what the GDRA has to offer!

To all racers and fans alike... We have heard some sad news today. News being that the True Street Drag Racing Association has ceased operations effective Monday, July 26, 2010. While we appreciate everything that the True Street Drag Racing Association has done in the Midwest for the sport of drag racing, we recognize that there are racers that are now looking for a place to call "home." The GDRA would like to extend an invitation to the former racers of the True Street Drag Racing Association to come participate with us at our remaining events on August 7th, September 4th, and October 9th as an exclusive part of the Nitrous Street Car Brawls at Great Lakes Dragaway. While this might not be the same type of program you are used to running in, it opens the door to a wide array of racers with 3 rules... no Throttle Stops, no Delay Boxes, and Door Slammer Type Cars only!!! These events run on a .400 Pro Tree utilizing a Pro Ladder for qualifying and eliminations. The best part of all is the payouts you will receive, which are the highest paid in the Midwest for a 1 day event, are paid out 100% in cash at the conclusion of every event.

Worried about paying a membership fee to finish of the season this deep in? Not a problem, the GDRA does not have a membership fee!!! The only thing you need to race is your buy in which we require 1 week prior to the race. Reason being, you know before you even leave the house to head to the track... the exact amount you are racing for. There are no surprises once you arrive. There is no points system in place at this time so you would not be walking into an uphill battle starting in the basement. The biggest thing the GDRA offers is 100% transparency with its racers and as a racer with the GDRA... you do have a voice in how things happen here. This is truly an association that is run by its racers for its racers. When the racers speak... we listen and if changes need to be made we let you, the racer voice your opinion.

The GDRA would like to thanks Becky Wardlow and everyone that invested their time in making True Street what it was. We can only assume that in the future people will look back and remember everything TSDRA did for the sport in the Midwest. We only wish to continue to provide the best door handle to door handle drag race action in the Midwest in their absence. If you are interested in running with the GDRA or if there are any questions, please email us direct at CashIsKing@GamblersDragRacing.com and someone will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Gamblers Drag Racing Association Staff

Gamblers Drag Racing Association Race #4

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, children of all ages. Summer is upon us and its time to go DRAG RACING!!! Saturday, July 10th the Gamblers Drag Racing Association is going to be hosting its 4th Invitational event at Great Lakes Dragaway as part of their historic Nitrous Street Car Brawl event. The drivers are getting hungry for that big CASH payout... $2000 to be exact is what 16 drivers will be running for and you better believe that it could be anyone's day to take home the cash.

The last race saw another first time winner this season with Ken Kendall taking home the top spot over race #1 winner Steve Peterson. This race was filled with excitement as we saw number 1 qualifier Kevin Harrison (his second pole position in as many races) run an 8.604 and second qualifier, Jim Pydo just behind him with an 8.609. This entire field was only about a half a second off the leaders time. There were several runs that were right on or near that 8.60 index and some major upsets were seen. Sadly 2 cars had major issues with one car hit the wall and another scattering a motor down track. Both drivers are okay and the cars are repairable. We expect them back in the field for race #5 if everything goes well for them. In the end it was a great day of drag racing and the next event is shaping up to be even better!!! Expected are some new faces in to round out the field and the return of a couple of drivers that did not make it out to the last event.

Come on out and check out the action on the track. Gates open at 8AM... Qualifying starts around 3PM and eliminations around 6PM. Take the time in between to check out the drivers rides, grab some GDRA merchandise, watch some of the other events taking place, or grab yourself some good eats at the Great Lakes Dragaway concession stand. Weather is looking like its going to be perfect and what better way to spend a terrific summer day than watchin cars blast down the 1320???

Who's gonna take home their share of the cash? Come out and see for your self!!!

GDRA Invades Rolling Meadows Cruise Night!!!

The racers of the Gamblers Drag Racing Association have been invited to partake in the Rolling Meadows Cruiser's weekly cruise night. We have 20 plus drag cars hitting the street that night. We'll be parading right down Kirchoff entering the show and look to give the crowd something to talk about. This is a great way to learn about the GDRA, its cars, and its drivers. We will also be talking to the younger crowd about the importance of safe drag racing.

In addition George Barris will be bring out some of his collection for all to view. The original Batmobile has been confirmed but George always likes to surprise his fans so the rest will just have to wait and see what they are.

Further the GDRA has invited Powermaster Performance to join us at this event. Staff members will be on hand answering questions about their products weather it be for the racer or the show car crowd. Anyone is welcome to bring their classic car, modern hot rod, or trick out trick to hang out at one of the largest and best shows in the country!!! Thanks to the Rolling Meadows Cruiser's Car Club for inviting us to be a part your summer cruise nights.

Congrats to the GDRA Race #3 Winner and Runner-Up!!!

Congrats to Ken Kendall and the entire Kendall family on their victory.

Congrats to Steve Peterson and the entire Peterson Racing Crew on their Runner-Up effort.

Gamblers Drag Racing Association Race #3

Well the weathers getting warmer, the suns finally shinning everyday, and the smell of race gas is in the air. It must be summer and in grand tradition, the GDRA will be hosting its 3rd event of 2010. Saturday, June 19th we will be at Great Lakes Dragaway as a featured part of another great Nitrous Street Car Brawl event. Last event saw some great racing action with a great turn out. Interest in the the GDRA has really picked up and we can only attribute that to the drivers and the cars that make the GDRA what it is. The GDRA maintains the largest payouts in the Midwest during the entire 2010 racing season and our drivers are loving every second of it.

During the last race, the final round was unable to be run do to time contstrataints and track curfews. But the 2 drivers headed into that final round, Jeff Jablon and CJ Williams both agreed to split the pot, combined of winner and runner up money, and each took home $1100!!! Not a bad day at the races. While other drivers luck was not as good on this day we still had a great showing. The race on June 19th is shaping up to be another great event and will see some new faces this time around all trying to get their hands on some cold hard cash-o-la baby!!!

Come on out and check out the action on the track. Gates open at 8AM... Qualifying starts around 3PM and eliminations around 6PM. Take the time in between to check out the drivers rides, grab some GDRA merchandise, watch some of the other events taking place, or grab yourself some good eats at the Great Lakes Dragaway concession stand. Weather is looking like its going to be perfect and what better way to spend a terrific summer day than watchin cars blast down the 1320???

Who's gonna take home their share of the cash? Come out and see for your self!!!

GDRA Car Show presented by The Varsity Pub

The Gamblers Drag Racing Association would like to invite racers and fans to join us in some off track fun. While not a racing event, the GDRA will be taking place in 2 events in between races that should be a ball. First up is the GDRA Car Show presented by the Varsity Pub. The event will be June 12th and take place in downtown Kingston, IL home of the Varsity Pub between the hours of 1 to 5PM. The Varsity Pub is one of our sponsors and really liked the idea of having a cruise night. Its a great place to hang out, eat, drink,

Anyone that wants to come out for a good day of sun, hot rods, burgers, beers, and good fun is more than welcome and encouraged to do so. Weather you have an old classic or some new muscle or a tricked out tow rig, bring it on out. Bring the whole family, your friends, come hang out and check out all the hardware on hand.

For directions to the Varsity Pub check out their site... www.thevarsitypub.com
If you intend to participate in the show at the Varsity Pub this Saturday, June 12th you need to contact the GDRA direct. We would need to have everyone that is trailering their cars to the show at the Genoa High School by 12:30 if you want the police escort. There is no where around the Varsity Pub for unloading cars off/out of trailers. The school is the only place to unload with trailers.

If you are cruising your old classic, modern muscle car, or tricked out tow rig out to the event, please feel free to come on out when you can.

Weather for Kingston looking good... 78 to 85 degrees, partly cloudy mixed with sun. Thunderstorms possible in the evening after 6PM. Gonna be a great time!!!

See you there!

GDRA Hosting another Invitational on May 29th

Saturday, May 29th the GDRA will host another Invitational event presented by The Varsity Pub in Kingston, IL.  This event will take place as part of the Nitrous Street Car Brawl at Great Lakes Dragaway.  With the first event last month, the drivers have all gotten a taste of some cold hard cash and are hungry for more!!! 

The buzz about the event has been very favorable from fans, racers, and the entire staff at Great Lakes Dragaway.  We saw some killer heads up racing with some of the closest competition anywhere.  Steve Peterson took the top spot in qualifying followed by Ken Shertz, Tony Orts stood his Firebird on the taillights and pedaled the car with the front hoops 7 feet in the air, "Rocket" Ron Bochenck stood the Ranchero on the bumper through first and second gear, and Kevin "Angry Beaver" Deaton.  While mechanical issues sidelined some cars prior to qualifying and with some of the GDRA drivers rides still not ready to go for the season, the field was a little short on cars but certainly not on track action.  In round 2 of eliminations, Steve Peterson ran an 8.600 to take home the Dead on Number honors and also putting "Rocket Ron" Bochenck on the trailer when Rocket broke out on the 8.60 index and ran an 8.58.  Ken Schertz took the win light when Tony Orts turned on the red bulb throwing away his 8.62 to Schertz's slower 8.87.  The final round would be Peterson and Schertz with lane choice going to Peterson.  Ken went all in throwing all the cards on the table but came up short when he broke out and ran an 8.58 handing the win to Peterson who ran a conservative 8.69 taking home top honors and the prize for the event.

Despite the cold and windy weather, it was still a great time and the next event it sure to bring more action to the track with racer entries rolling in.  Steven Peterson will be looking to Double Down and see if he can make it 2 in a row with 15 other top drivers gunning for him and hoping they can take home the top prize of $2000 to win with a full field.

So get ready ladies and gentleman... this is gonna be one heck of a showdown and you won't wanna miss it!!! 

Gates open at 8AM... Qualifying starts around 3PM.  Get there early and meet the drivers of the GDRA, check out their rides, and grab yourself some official GDRA merchandise.

Congrats to our Winners on April 17th

Great event on the 17th. Congrats to our winners!

Welcome to our Site

Welcome to our new website. We are still working on it but we will keep you updated.