Dalcorp Racing and AREA 51

Nocita and Paff Together Again! "It's a Wonderful Life" to be presented by Cornerstone Theater Group and Paz Naz.

2009-12-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

Last October, Kimberly Nocita and Lauren Paff had the opportunity to perform together in the talent showcase entitled "PazNaz's Got Talent." Doing songs from the hit Broadway shows "Wicked" and "Chess," they received rave reviews for their performances. Now, back together again, they will be performing in the classic Christmas season play, "It's a Wonderful Life." Performance nights are December 3-5 and December 10-12 with curtain at 7:30pm. This live stage performance of a radio broadcast from the 40's is one not to be missed. Below are a few "sneak preview" pictures from their dress rehearsal. Hope to see you at the show.

Lauren and Kimberly ready to go on stage.

Kimberly with Lance Orion who plays the lead

role of George Bailey.

"I'm ready for my close up, Mr. DeMille."

Barry Schwam (l) plays the evil "Old man Potter"

as well as doing some of the narrating.

"I said I'm READY for my close up!"

The cast and crew of "It's a Wonderful Life."

Kimberly Nocita..."What's Up?" She is...at 12,500 feet! "Free Flying" newest adventure for Kim.

2009-12-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

We thought we'd give everyone a quick update on what's up with Kimberly and her skydiving adventures. Already at 60 plus jumps and qualified for her "B" license, Kim has hooked up with a great group of jumpers who love the discipline that skydivers call "Free Flying." When most think of skydiving they picture the diver arched out and falling belly first. Free flyer's are almost never on their belly but instead are either plummeting head first, back first, in a seated position, somersaults...just about anything but the conventional position. Kim's goal is to become proficient in all the different disciplines of skydiving as she finds that she likes them all. "Hey, I just like to Jump. I enjoy it all."

Here are a few pics of Kim doing a little head first flying along with a video clip of Kim and her friends having some fun and also doing a little back flying. Just click on Free Fall Madness .

Kim....you look like you're about to do something
bad!

Kickin' back...

This has to be a weird feeling...

Falling head first gets you down much quicker and

shortens your fall time but you go A LOT faster!

Do you think she's havin' fun yet?

Dalcorp Delivers. WD-40 SEMA Cares Camaro Back to California. Next stop: LA Auto Show

2009-11-19T06:41:00.001-08:00

After a very successful showing at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the WD-40 SEMA Cares Camaro came back to California for some final adjustments and fine tuning. The guys at GTR High Performance got the call to make sure that the new Camaro would have all 0f it's 600 horsepower available for it's new owner. And that new owner? The highest bidder at the next Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona. All of the proceeds, every dollar of the sale, will go to charity as BJ has waived all of it's fees and commissions. The car will also make an appearance at the LA Auto Show coming up this week so if you can stop by and check it out. It looks even better up close and personal. But before it heads for the block, Mike Spagnola owner of Street Scene and the one who oversaw the Camaro build, said that there might be a chance for us to test drive this bad boy before it leaves for auction. Wow, giving us the keys to this Camaro would be like giving the inmates the keys to the jail! We can only hope.

More to follow...

Hanging out in the Rio parking lot waiting for the
boys at Viper towing to bring us the Camaro. AJ
just chillin'...

....I think he was tired of chillin'.....

The Camaro arrives. Now sitting pretty low, it

isn't the easiest car to transport. The Viper guys

got it to us in one piece without a scratch.

This thing even looks fast on the trailer.

Coming down the pass Saturday afternoon...some

"God Rays" as the kids call them.

Ready for it's final tuning out in front of GTR

High Performance.

Dalcorp Racing and "Ernie the Attorney" Team Up For LA County Career Opportunities Day. Thousands enjoy a special day at Pomona.

2009-11-11T06:37:00.001-08:00

As we've said many times before, the Los Angeles County Career Opportunities Fair is one of our favorite events of the year. And this year was no exception. A Chamber of Commerce day provided perfect conditions for the event as a dozen or so drag cars and bikes lined up to put on a show for the thousands of high school kids who were in attendance from schools all over Southern California.

This year's program was unique for the Dalcorp team to say the least. For the first time in it's almost 20 year history it had a Ford flying it's colors. That's right, the "F" word as it's referred to around the shop. Erica Nocita who usually pilots the Dalcorp entry was on vacation so it seemed like a perfect time to hook up with long time friend and attorney Ernie Algorri. "Ernie the Attorney" as he's known throughout the drag racing world has one of the most beautifully prepared race cars on the circuit. The 1967 Ford Fairlane looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor except for the big tires on the back, the roll cage and hood scoop. The other thing that sets it apart from most others like it? It runs as good, if not better, than it looks! 9.60's at nearly 140 mph out of a full bodied car! The high revving small block is a crowd pleaser wherever it goes and on this day it was no different. The kids cheered for the A/FX Fairlane as Ernie made his run down the historic track at Pomona. Thanks to Dana Mariotti at NHRA for giving us the opportunity to participate in this one of a kind event. Thanks also to the people who make this happen for us...Good Neighbor Pharmacy, BG Oil, AvComm, Chicago Title Insurance and Crow Safety Gear. And to Team "Ernie The Attorney", you guys rock! Thanks for putting on such a great show for the kids. It's still going to be known as the "F" word around here, but now the "F" stands for FAST!!

......cool sticker, Ernie.

Ernie and the Fairlane during warm up...

You never know when you'll have to make emergency

repairs. During tech inspection it was noticed that

the fuel cell bracket had broken and needed to be

replaced. It's never a good idea having your fuel

cell bouncing around in the trunk, so Ernie and

the boys made the repairs, quick and clean.

Hey, who needs a vice? Now that's trust!

Cousin Wayne putting the final touches on the

repairs.

Ernie bringing the Fairlane back to life, fuel cell

back in place. It's all good.....

A final check under the hood and it's up to the

staging lanes.

Heading to the lanes...

If the cars in the background were gone this could

be 1967.

Nitro Harley pilot and friend Damian Cownden

ready to put on a show for the thousands of

high schoolers. Damian and his crew are from Canada

and had raced the previous weekend in Las Vegas.

Thanks for staying over, guys.

This was a high energy group...they cheered for

everything including the guys preparing the track!

Richard Nicholson welcoming the students on

behalf of the Los Angeles County School System.

Yep, they cheered for him too.

....what a view....

Exhibition or competition, Ernie's only got one

setting...Intense!

"Ernie the Attorney" in his other office....

Damian pulling into the water. This is one

beautiful motorcycle!

These Nitro Harley guys are nuts!

Racin' a cop...only "Ernie the Attorney". Seems

wrong for some reason!

...wish this picture had sound!

Ernie gettin' after it in the water box!

1967....

9.70 at almost "a buck forty"...nice run, Ernie.

Ernie and his posse...Hey, is that cousin Wayne?

Awesome job, guys!

New Camaro Gets Makeover For Charity. Nocita and Son Haul Precious Cargo to SEMA Las Vegas.

2009-11-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

If you're around long enough you get to do some pretty cool stuff. About a week ago Alan and AJ Nocita got to do some pretty cool stuff...if you're into cars, that is. Thanks to the trusting souls at Street Scene Equipment and Mike Spagnola, the father and son team transported the newly made over 2010 Chevrolet Camaro to Las Vegas for the 2009 SEMA show. WD-40 and several other companies partnered in the Camaro project which will be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson with all the proceeds of the sale going to charity. Check out the link below for some additional information regarding the Camaro and all who participated.

We want to congratulate Mr. Spagnola and Street Scene Equipment for not only doing a beautiful job with regards to the Camaro, but for also winning The Ford Design Award for one of their customized Mustangs. This was the 8th consecutive year that they've won this award! Congratulations!

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/

(....For the record, we don't think it needs more stickers! Looks pretty cool to us!)

Just out of the trailer...the 2010 WD-40/SEMA
Cares Camaro sees the morning light in Las Vegas.

The stance of the SS will be lowered once in
the showroom.

AJ's a pair...AJ Nocita (l) and AJ Spagnola. They
were both lookin' for the keys....

This Camaro was also set up for tailgating in a
big way.

See what I mean? If you don't want to go in and
watch the game live you can watch it on tv!

Teenagers + Energy Drinks + Nitro = High Powered Fun!!! Isaac Barrocus Celebrates 18th Birthday at AREA 51.

2009-11-03T08:04:00.001-08:00

It was high powered fun and games last Friday night as family and friends gathered at AREA 51 to surprise Isaac Barrocus for his 18th birthday. Dennis and Connie Barrocus pulled out all the stops for the party goers by providing great food, high energy drinks, a casino night and a nitro burning birthday surprise with "eight candles" that rocked the house. After Isaac was driven into AREA 51's "bat cave" by two of his friends, it was hugs all around as he greeted every guest individually. Then it was out to the patio where Isaac was introduced to Bob Hansen and his beautifully restored nostalgia Top Fuel Dragster, "The Wynn's Spoiler". After Isaac climbed into the driver's seat Bob lit "all eight candles" to kick off the evening and it was full throttle from that point on.
Back inside it was time to hit the tables for a little casino action and a Mexican feast provided by Victor of Tacos La Paloma. The action was fast and furious and there were some big winners at the tables. But it was Isaac who hit the jackpot by having so many people in his life who love and support him. Congratulations Isaac and Happy Birthday. You are the big winner!

Bob Hansen's awesome nostalgia Top Fuel
Dragster met the guests as they arrived.

It felt like a warm summer evening as family
and friends began to arrive.

Youth and Monster Energy drinks....it was time
to party!

Connie talking with family and welcoming guests.

As his buddies drive him in, Isaac, on the left,

just sat there and smiled. He didn't know what

hit him....

Isaac made his way around the room greeting

everyone individually.

"I didn't have a clue what was going on."

Isaac giving one of his sisters a hug...he still

had the "deer in the headlights" look on his face

Connie filming all the huggin' action while dad

Dennis looks on...it doesn't get any better than

this.

Are you having a good time, Isaac?

It was out to the patio and time to put Isaac

in the driver's seat for the "lighting of the candles."

Most in attendance had never heard or "felt" the

sound of a nitro car....

Bob spins the HEMI to life...

Isaac had a different grin on his face as thousands

of horsepower came to life. The crowd loved it...

and I bet our neighbors did too!

Isaac and Bob share a moment after the start up.

The Barrocus gang...

Isaac and the Monrovia gang...

Victor and Tacos La Paloma have become a fixture

at AREA 51 for a reason...the food is AWESOME!

Dennis and Bob talking about some of the car's

history and performance.

...lots of smilin' faces and plenty of food.

The casino action went on all night...

This group looks like they've done this before!

Wait...didn't Kenny Rogers say "you never

count your money when you're sittin' at the table?"

Isaac's little sister plays by her own rules.

...this cake tasted even better than it looked,

and it looked great!!!

Isaac, you can't make that face until you're a

lot older...

Wait...didn't Jan and Dean say it was "two girls

for every boy?" These kids break all the rules!

Isaac gettin' in on the action.

The patio peep...

Happy Birthday Isaac!!!

Together at last, NOCITA and PAFF are "WICKED" on stage!!!

2009-10-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

After years of attending the same school in New York, living together in Pasadena and doing performances individually, Kimberly Nocita and Lauren Paff finally had an opportunity to perform together in a unique stage experience called PAZ NAZ's Got Talent. Showcasing talent from within the ranks of First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, audiences were entertained by several musical numbers, stand up comedy, a series of short sketches and three songs selected from the musicals "Chess" and "Wicked" sung by Nocita and Paff. Their renditions of "I know him so well" from "Chess", "What is this feeling" and "For Good" from the hit show "Wicked" had the audience feeling like they were attending a Broadway show. Thank you Kimberly and Lauren for giving us an evening to remember and congratulations on your first performance together. We can only hope it will be the first of many.

It's hard to capture a musical performance with pictures so here's a video clip of "What is this feeling" sung by Kimberly and Lauren. All three numbers are listed under the video section of the blog should you want to enjoy them all.

Thanks to all who helped make PAZ NAZ's Got Talent such a huge success and to those who performed over the three nights. We hope that you will do it again soon!

(We know there wasn't one automotive reference or picture of a motorized vehicle of any type in this week's blog. We'll be "back on track" next week!)

Kimberly and Lauren were very excited to finally

be performing together....can you tell?

First night attendees supporting Kimberly and

Lauren opening night. "Mernie" (center), Auntie

Bob and Grandma Mahgy.

Lauren, Judy Berry and Kimberly. Judy was

Kimberly's violin teacher for many years and has

always been one of her biggest supporters.

Sister Erica with "the stars" on Thursday night.

AJ and Kristy share a moment before Saturday

night's performance. They settled down for

the show.

....during the song, "I know him so well" from

"Chess".

Beautiful harmonies had the audience smiling

from ear to ear.

Bring out the performers!

....and the audience gets a thank you from the

cast and crew....

....take a bow!

Do you think Lauren enjoys performing? It was

hard getting her off the stage.

David Mimms paying Kimberly and Lauren

some very nice compliments.

There's always a level of excitement after a show

and much "downloading" to do...

Meetin' and greetin'...a favorite part of the

evening for any performer.

A hug from mom is always good!

Grandma, Kimberly, sister Kristy with baby ?,

Reggie, Lauren and a very proud mom.

Lauren and Kimberly posing with a piece of

artwork brought in by one of the area's sculptors.

Several artists had their works on display in the

lobby.

Great show, girls! Let's do it again soon!

Kimberly and Lauren will both be in the upcoming

stage presentation of "It's A Wonderful Life" put

on by Cornerstone Theater at Pasadena First Church

December 1-22, 2009. This will be the second year

that this Christmas favorite will be presented

throughout the holiday season. Don't miss it!

Maranatha High School Celebrates Ten Year Reunion At AREA 51. Let The Good Times Roll!

2009-10-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

Ten years goes by fast. Just ask the Maranatha High School Class of 1999. It was reunion time last Saturday night at AREA 51 and the good ol' times rolled as alums, spouses and friends gathered to celebrate a great chapter in their lives. DanThanh (Nguyen) Fields did a great job in pulling together the evening which included a picture presentation, slide show and various games that highlighted tv shows and movies from 1999. It's always fun to reunite with high school friends and catch up on the years that have passed since your graduation. The Maranatha group was no exception...the chatter went on non stop all evening!

Thanks for letting AREA 51 be a part of your celebration. See you in 2019!!

Sarah (left) helping DanThanh or "DT" ready
the check in table.

One of the early arrivals visiting with Kristy and
Marianne at "The Hoister Bar". Just a guess but
he might not have graduated with the class of 99'...

The hugs and conversations started early....

"DT" and her husband Michael getting their

picture taken in recognition of a job well done.

Victor of "Tacos La Paloma" provided a feast for

about 50 hungry souls. Awesome eats as usual!

The "Haz-Mat Head" got more attention from the

ladies than the men! Maybe we should switch

bathrooms!

It's always smiles around "The Hoister Bar".

The picture presentation was great and got a lot

of laughs, oohs and ahs.

I bet this group was trouble about 10 years ago!

Lauren, Erica and AJ had to stop by even though

they weren't working. It may have had something

to do with Victor and the food...ya' think?

One of many, many photo ops.....

Sarah the emcee...great job!

Michael and "DT"....it is finished!

"Run A Little Faster, Jump A Little Higher"...What a weekend!!!

2009-10-12T14:19:00.001-07:00

"Jump a little higher...."

Last weekend the Dalcorp gang had a pretty busy few days, even by their standards. Some of you old timers will remember the "Keds" commercial from the 70's..."Run a little faster, jump a little higher." And that's just what went on, from Perris to Long Beach, it was runnin' and jumpin'. Kimberly Nocita spent three days out at Perris Valley and completed her requirements for her "A" license making 10 jumps and packing parachutes not only for herself but for her instructors! Now that's confidence in your teaching!! Included in the 1o jumps were 3 "coached" jumps where an instructor jumps with you and observes your free fall and landings. Also checked off the list was her "Hop n' Pop", a low level exit that simulates an emergency in flight situation where you would have to exit the plane early and deploy your canopy within a few seconds. Kim was given two thumbs up on all counts and received her license after only 33 jumps.

Here's a link to a few of Kimberly's jumps over the weekend. Congratulations Kim!
(Listen carefully to the student who jumps right before Kim on the 3rd clip. She tells her instructor that she thinks she's going to fall out....I thought that was the idea?)

Packing a parachute is a pretty physical undertaking.
By the end of the weekend, Kim had a new appreciation
for the school packers. "The jumping is the easy part."

"Montana" giving Kim some tips about making
sure her lines are straight.

Squeezing the air out of the canopy is Kim's favorite
part. Looks pretty comfortable, doesn't it?

Just like putting a sleeping bag back in it's case...

Giving her rig a final check...Looks good!

Now it's time for the fun part!

Kim sporting a new "Hot Bod" suit from Bev Suits.

I think she likes pink...

Loading up...

Talk about immediate gratification...when your

chute opens, that's gratification...immediately!

Sticking the landings.

Time to do it all over again. By the look on

Montana's face, this part must be important.

Student and teacher...Thanks, Montana!!

Kimmy getting her final instructions from Stuart

before her "Hop n' Pop".

Friend and instructor, Adi, with some final words

of encouragement. "Don't mess up, mate".

It's all good.

It all worked again...life is good.

"Run a little faster....."

Early Sunday morning it was down to Long Beach for the Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon where Margaret "Mahgy" Davis, Colleen Heublein, Erica Nocita and Marianne "Mernie" Chew took on the challenging 13.1 mile course. This was the first half marathon for Erica and Marianne so there were some nerves at the start. The gun went off at 7:15am and the four brave souls went into their strides and never looked back. When the race had been run, marathon veteran Mahgy Davis had again won her division with her running mate and daughter, Colleen, right by her side. Coming across the finish line with them was Marianne who had a strong finishing kick at the end. Erica was only a few minutes back and broke the tape with her arms in the air and a grin on her face!!

A marathon can be a very emotional event. Many of those who run them do so for a variety of reasons. Some dedicate their race to a loved one who's recently passed away. It may be that they've overcome a physical ailment, disease or addiction...whatever the reason, if you haven't experienced the emotions of one of these races, you should. Spectators line the course for miles and cheer on those who are running. Many are reduced to tears along the way or at the finish and it's not uncommon to hear the words "life changing" in the finishing area.

Way to go, girls...thanks for taking us along for the ride!

Sunday morning...5:30am...time to go!

Mahgy would get asked her age so many times

during a race that Colleen started writing it on the

back of her legs...saves a lot of time and energy.

"0-dark-30" in Long Beach heading to the starting

line.

Mahgy and Colleen a little past the 6 mile marker.

Lookin' good!

It is amazing that Colleen can even run the race

with all the hats that she wears. She makes

sure everyone is registered, picks up credentials,

gets the gang to the start line on time (and also

in time to hear the National Anthem), paces and

encourages Mahgy and others along the way. Check

out her right hand...a cell phone. She calls and gives

updates as they're running, carries drinks, snacks

and supplements for Mahgy. They should have a

special "Support Class" just for Colleen!

See what I mean? She's on the phone checking

in as they pass by. Note the gentlemen on the

left. He is one of the organizers and couldn't

believe what he was seeing. 87? No Way!!

Not far behind...Mernie and Erica. You guys

look like you're having too much fun!

How many finish lines have these two crossed

together? And there's Mernie right along with

them. Great job!!

More medals...Mahgy, we need a bigger trophy

case!

Kristy, Dane, Lindsay and Lil' Kass came down

to support the girls. Dane was watchin' for Erica...

The finish line! The woman running next to

Erica asked if she would run with her about a mile

and a half from the finish as she was fading fast...

and so was Erica. The two of them encouraged

each other and charged across the finish line.

Erica later called her "an angel that helped her

finish".

Erica's "angel" giving her a pat on the back...

...they celebrate at the finish.

Colleen looks like she could go around again;

Kristy making sure the cupcakes they handed

out were ok to eat. Good job, Kris!

Colleen, at least pretend that you're tired!!

Victory!

It won't be long, Lil' Kass...you'll be running with

grandma!

Great grandma has raised the bar pretty high...

Four generations...

You have to teach them early to "represent".

After the race it was over to our friend Tom Agee's

house from some post race carbs and drinks.

Tom put on quite a spread....it was much

appreciated and so good!

Mahgy talking over the race with Kristy; Dane

lookin' at what's next to eat.

Tom on the left, his friend Susan and the rest

of the gang.

Colleen, Susan, Tom and Mahgy.

Thanks Susan and Tom. What a pit crew!

Surprise!!! Rick Salcido Turns 40!!! Family and Friends Celebrate at AREA 51.

2009-10-05T13:18:00.001-07:00

Rick Salcido is a very blessed man. Last Saturday night family and friends gathered at AREA 51 to surprise Rick for his 40th birthday. And in doing so, they also gave us a bit of a surprise. We didn't know that we could have that much fun WORKING a party! As the guests arrived it was clear from the start that this would be a very special night. You get a "vib" as a party begins and this one had, as The Beach Boys put it, "Good Vibrations." Yvonne, Rick's wife, and her niece Angela did a fantastic job of pulling off what Rick would later call "one of the greatest nights of my life." Congratulations Rick and thanks Yvonne, Angela and Joe for letting us be a part of the celebration. We had a great time!!

Rick's wife, Yvonne, had arranged for the guests
to sign a framed copy of the invitation instead of
a guest book. Very nice.

Check out the slide show going on in the background
in the theater room. There were over a hundred
pictures put together of "Ricky" and his 40 years.

When the call came in that Rick and Yvonne were
only minutes away the excitement began to build.

Niece Angela (r) did a great job in helping to
organize the surprise even after injuring her knee
just days before the party.

I think there were more pictures taken before
Rick arrived than after!

Surprise!!! Rick said afterwards that as the door

was going up he first saw the motorcycles and

thought that Yvonne was taking him to pick out

a bike for his birthday.

....no caption necessary.

....and then the tears....

Once out of the car, there were hugs all around.

Yvonne tells friends and family what it took to

pull off the surprise....but now it was time to

party!

"The Hoister Bar" was cookin' all night.

"Tacos El Rincon Tapatio" provided some great

Mexican food cooked to order.

Yvonne...workin' the room.

Mernie and Erica kept things stocked up at

"The Hoister Bar". Great job, girls!

The boss behind the bar...Kristy Roblee.

"I'll have one of those, and one of those and...."

Rick and Yvonne....

Could you guys try and have a good time?

Rick giving the girls a thank you hug.

Besides being Rick's 40th, it was Yvonne and

Rick's 24th wedding anniversary. Hey Salcido's,

you got two parties for the price of one!!

Homer and the gang never miss a party.

She said she was just delivering them.....Better

check her ID!

There wasn't a shortage of desserts! And there

wasn't anything left over at the end of the night!

Bummer!!!!

A toast to the birthday boy. Salute!!

Angela's husband Joe did an awesome job spinnin'

the tunes all night and had the party rockin' from

the start.

Happy Birthday, Rick. You're a lucky man!!!

Broadway Comes To The Marconi Automotive Museum. Covenant House Charity Event An Afternoon to Remember.

2009-09-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

The Marconi Automotive Museum in Orange County, California has hosted many events over the years, but last Sunday's "An Afternoon of Broadway Stars" has to be at the top of the list of special events. Benefiting Covenant House California, an "A List" of performers came from all over the country to perform what could have been described as "Broadway's Greatest Hits." All of the artists who are currently in shows or in rehearsals for upcoming musicals literally dropped what they were doing to lend their support to this most worthy charity. Covenant House deals with the problem of homeless youth in America (as well as internationally) and provides hundreds of beds nightly for those needy children. Even more impressive than the performances of these Broadway stars was their willingness to give of their time and talents to support Covenant House and their programs. One of the artists literally arrived minutes before the show began. For nearly two hours it was one amazing performance after another; one standing ovation after standing ovation. By the end of the afternoon everyone knew they had just been a part of something very, very special.

A big thank you has to go out to Bo and Dick Marconi, The Marconi Foundation For Kids and The Marconi Automotive Museum for hosting such a wonderful event. For more information on Covenant House California, you can go to: http://www.coventanthousecalifornia.com/.

What a way to greet your guests.....I like it!

Lauren Paff, Debbie and Kim Nocita share a

little food and drink during the cocktail hour

before the program.

It is always fun to walk around the museum before

the start of an event. Here Kim and "COLauren"

stop next to a Michael Schumacher Formula One

Ferrari.

How about a couple of Indy Cars? The one on

the left was driven by Al Unser Jr., the other by

Mario Andretti.

If you're going to have one F50 you might as well

have two, right? Here COLauren stands between

$1.7 million of Ferrari.

This Marlboro car was driven by the late

Ayrton Senna.

Some of the vintage cars raced by Dick Marconi

and his son, John.

There is horsepower in every corner of the

museum...some have a little more than others.

How about 8,000 hp!!!

These three give the phrase "resale red" a bit

more punch....

This bad boy Ferrari is a one of a kind built for

The Sultan of Brunei. It not only has a specially

blended paint color but also an F1 transmission

$1,000.000.00! I'd hate to have to send that

trans out for repair!

COLauren and Kim with the main man, Uncle

Dick.

Kimberly and Debbie in front of Deb's favorite,

a Gullwing Mercedes.

Priscilla "Bo" Marconi welcoming friends and

guests and also introducing Kevin Ryan, President

of Covenant House International.

Rita Harvey and Carter Calvert doing a Judy

Garland medley. Ms. Harvey starred in "Fidler

on the Roof" on Broadway. She also made her

Broadway debut performing the lead role of

Christine in "The Phantom of the Opera"

after performing the role with the second national

tour. Ms. Calvert's Broadway credits include the

Original Cast Album and touring productions of

"It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues."

Neil Berg who directed and emceed the program.

Mr. Berg is currently the composer for the new

Broadway musical "Grumpy Old Men". His latest

show, "The Man Who Would Be King", recently opened

at the Rubicon Theater in California.

Danny Zolli and Rob Evan doing a song from the

musical "Rock of Ages". The song, "Don't Stop

Believing" by Journey rocked the house! Mr.

Zolli has starred nationally and internationally

in "Evita", "Sweeney Todd", "Joeseph Dreamcoat",

and many, many others. Mr. Evan has starred in

the original Broadway cast of "Jekyll & Hyde", playing

the role for three years. He also appeared on Broadway

as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables".

It was hard to pick a favorite from the afternoon

but this might have been the one. Craig Schulman

and Rita Harvey doing "The Phantom of the Opera"

duet. Mr. Schulman is the only actor in the world

to have portrayed three of the greatest musical

theater roles: The Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera",

Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables", and the title roles

in "Jekyll & Hyde".

Mr. Schulman...."Music of the Night" from

"The Phantom of the Opera". Unbelievable.

A final number with some of the kids from

Covenant House. What a moment.....

COLauren and Kimberly with Danny Zolli.

Rita Harvey spending some time with COLauren

and Kim. What you don't see in this picture is

Ms. Harvey's little boy, Lucas, at the end of her

arm! From Broadway star to "Mom" in minutes!

Here, Craig Schulman, talking about Covenant

House with Kim and COLauren. His comments

were the same as all the other performers...

"When Neil calls for Covenant House, we come. It's

that simple".

Danny and COLauren having "a moment".

Danny and Rob called this their "Prom Picture".

Senior year, Broadway High!!!!

Street Rods Forever "Still Cruisin" In Monrovia. Chico Kodama of "Mooneyes" Grand Marshal of Annual Event.

2009-09-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday downtown Monrovia took on a little different look than most weekends. The Street Rods Forever gang put on their annual car show along Myrtle Avenue and what a show it was! Countless numbers of street rods, hot rods, customs, "tri 5's", pro streets and trucks arrived early in the morning to set up and enjoy a beautiful Southern California day with like-minded enthusiasts. Vendors were also scattered among the cars selling everything from artwork, speed parts, clothing, food...if it was car related it was there. But the vendor with the largest presence and who did a great deal to help support the show was "Mooneyes". And as if that wasn't enough, the main man himself, Chico Kodama was there as the Grand Marshal of the event. Many thanks go out to Chico and his wife Sandy for their support and in helping to make the day such a huge success. And thanks to organizers Don Rohr and Steve Metz for inviting us to be a part of the day and giving us the privilege of driving Chico and Sandy up main street to start the day. Congratulations to all the Street Rods Forever guys and gals on a job well done. It was an awesome day!

25 years...and still cruisin'. Nice shirts!

.....ready for a trip up Myrtle Avenue.

Chico Kodama and his wife Sandy. Chico is the

owner of "Mooneyes", one of the most recognized

companies in the world of hot rods, speed

equipment and accessories.

It looks like Manny was the odd man out...Moe and

Jack got the girls!

Chico and Sandy ready to brave the trip up Myrtle

with the "Al" in Dalcorp.

The "Donutz Caddy" in car camera. What

a cool backdrop for a show.

Watch your back, Jack. Here comes Manny!

hot VW's BUG-IN 34 Coverage. Feature Article Highlites GNP/BG Oil/Dalcorp Racing Win!

2009-09-17T08:20:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to say thank you to all of you who sent emails and notes congratulating us on our Top Eliminator win at BUG-IN 34. For those of you who missed the hot VW's September issue, here are a few pics of the magazine that highlighted our win. Thanks again to all of our sponsors and supporters. It was an awesome day!

September 2009 issue of hot VW's featured the
class win and Top Eliminator honors of the Good
Neighbor Pharmacy/BG Oil Manx driven by
Wyatt Radke.

Next year's BUG-IN 35 event will have a picture
of the Dalcorp Racing entry on all the trophies and
plaques.

...victory lane.

It's good to be number one! Thanks to all of our

friends and sponsors who helped make this happen.

Good Neighbor Pharmacy, BG Oil, EMPI, Crow Safety

Gear, AVCOMM Racing, WR Trans, Chicago Title

Insurance and especially our families. You guys rock!

IDRC Fontana. A Hot And Wild Weekend. Pete Selders Back On Track With A Bang!

2009-09-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

After being out of the driver's seat for a little more than 18 months, Pete Selders got back behind the wheel of the GNP/BG Oil 1967 turbo'd bug for the September IDRC event at Auto Club Dragway in Fontana, California. With crew chief Pat Selders having finished putting the car together just hours before, it was time to go testing on Thursday night at Irwindale to make sure everything was a go for the Fontana event on Saturday. Aside from a few minor problems everything looked good. Pete's driving was spot on with a nice clean run down the center of the track. Also running Thursday night was Erica Nocita in her 2005 Cobalt. A new shift controller had just been installed and a shake down pass was necessary to make sure everything was ok. And it was. So it was pack 'em up and head out to Fontana on Saturday.

Unfortunately Erica had a scheduling conflict and wouldn't be able to make the IDRC event. It would be up to Pete's bug and the VW Manx driven by Wyatt Radke to represent team Dalcorp.

As you would expect it was a little warm in Fontana but it didn't seem to effect the cars or their drivers. After the first qualifying passes everything seemed to be going as planned. As Pete entered the water box for his second pass and began his burn out, a major engine failure ended his day. It appeared to be a part failure in the number 4 cylinder.

Wyatt made three very consistent qualifying runs and the team felt as though they had a handle on the car and it's performance. After getting the first round win it was on to the second round and running the same 12.35 dial in. Everything was going as planned until Wyatt had a little trouble with 2nd gear and just missed getting to the stripe first. The car in the other lane had a near perfect run taking the stripe and the win light.

Although we didn't come away with the results we would have liked it was a great day. It's hard to describe the feeling you get from pulling together as a team and what it's like to experience the highs and lows of racing, win or lose. Some would look at the race as a bad day given Pete's engine failure and Wyatt going out second round. But as the saying goes, "A bad day of racing beats a good day doing anything else." It was great having Pete back in the car and with us at the track. Even with the second round glitch Radke put on quite a show for the crowd showing the speed and consistency that recently won Top Eliminator honors at BUG-IN 34. Thanks to all the IDRC staff for their hard work and a great event. We'll be back!

The Thursday before Fontana at Irwindale for a
little test n' tune. After 18 months out of the seat it
was good to have Pete back behind the wheel of the
GNP/BG Oil turbo'd bug.

In the lanes, "Big Jim Costanza" giving Pete a
few pointers.

....a couple of last minute adjustments.

Ready to rock n' roll...pulling up to the starting

line.

Pete looked great and made a nice clean run.

Erica was also doing a little testing after the

installation of a new shift controller. All systems

were go.

Brother AJ bringing her into the water for a

crowd pleasing burn out.

Saturday morning at Fontana. It was off to tech

and then qualifying.

Don't we have people that do this? Wyatt Radke

checking his own tires? I guess you're not driving

top fuel anymore, Rad. What a team player!

It seems as though Pete always has a crowd

around him. Young and old, Pete always has

time for everyone.

Usually it's a bunch of guys around Radke talking

about his top fuel days. Here he had some fans

offering the shade from their umbrella to help

him beat the heat. Drag racing families are good

people.

The first qualifying run was right down the center

and in the groove.

At Fontana in September it's all about shade.

Hurry up and wait......

Heading into the water box for second round

qualifying.

"Houston, we have a problem..."

The number 4 piston didn't like where it was

so it decided to exit prematurely...right out the

top of the case. "Hey dad, I think we can fix it."

The parking place nobody likes...under the tower

and waiting for a tow.

Wyatt had the Manx right on the numbers.

Between qualifying rounds Pat, Pete and Wyatt

go over what happened to the bug. It appeared

to be parts failure but the final word wouldn't

come down until after the autopsy.

Lookin' good......

Going over the numbers...it's all good.

The view every drag racer loves.

If It's Saturday It Must Be Perris. Kimberly Nocita Nears "A" License!

2009-09-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

Since obtaining her AFF Certification just a few weeks ago, Kimberly Nocita has taken to the friendly skies above Perris, California just about every Saturday since then and is only 5 jumps away from obtaining her "A" license. It's been quite a learning curve as she's not only perfecting her skills in the air and under canopy, but is also testing different rigs and canopy sizes to see what suits her best. "It's amazing how the slightest changes in the equipment effect how you feel during free fall and when you're flying the canopy. They all have unique characteristics and it's been fun experimenting each week with a new set up."

Kimberly will also be taking a class in the near future to learn how to pack her own parachute. The class is required as part of her licensing requirements. "The first jump I make after packing my own chute will probably be my most exciting jump so far. That's one class that I'll really be paying close attention to what the teacher says."

We hope you get an "A" in that class! Good luck, Kim!

Kim suiting up with some new equipment in
"Square 1", the jump store at Perris.

A little quiet time before a jump.

Notice the difference in the size of the rigs. Kim's,

on the left, and a tandem set up on the right. The

tandem canopy has to accommodate two people so it's

huge and weighs around 80 pounds! Why doesn't

the guy in the middle have a chute? He's just going

along for the ride...and what a ride!

Kim exits the plane with a "diving" technique.

Great form all the way through the exit.

Kim receiving some advice...some pretty relaxed

advice from one of her instructors, Adi.

Skydivers are not an uptight group of individuals....

Kimberly and Joe, another one of her AFF

instructors and a great cameraman. He takes

both video and still pictures at the same time.

Joe activates the still camera by squeezing a tube

that is connected to the shutter release with his

mouth. As if he doesn't have enough stuff going

on during a jump!

...final adjustments.

Adi and Kim before a jump....

Another good landing...

There's over 45,020 jumps standing here.

Pat McGowan on the left with over 15,000

jumps, Kim with 20, and Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld

with more than 30,000 trips out of a perfectly

good airplane! Dan is the drop zone manager at

Perris, a 16 time national champion and an 8 time

world champion. His story is an amazing one.

Click on this link to read more about Dan.
http://www.airmovesentertainment.com/Airmoves_Entertainment/Airmoves_Entertainment-Home.html

Kimberly in her "happy place."

On target.

And a good time was had by all!

Carnight 2009! A Hot August Night. Fire, Smoke and Nitro filled the air.

2009-08-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday it was "Hot! Hot! Hot!" as the temperature moved into triple digits and wild fires burned throughout the Southland mountains and valleys. But it was also hot for another reason: Carnight 2009! Once a year Dalcorp/AREA 51, The Finish Line and WR Trans open their shops and invite people to come in and check out all that's happening in this little corner of the gear head world. For the second year in a row, Bob Hansen of Hansen Chassis brought out his vintage T/F dragster, the 1966 record holding Wynn's Spoiler, and thrilled the crowd with not one, but two start ups! Fumes and flames shot into the night air and created quite a sight. The evening was the perfect time for people to share some food, drink and their love for the internal combustion engine. Thanks to Fred Trout, Erica Nocita and especially Tim Pittman for helping make the evening run so smoothly. You guys are the best!
It looked like Mopar Madness in Dalcorp's main
room. A lot of horsepower sittin' there.

When's the last time you saw one of these? This
one belongs to Fred Trout. Awesome!

"Lil' Kass" Heublein spending some quality time
with Dalcorp Driver Wyatt Radke and his special
"seat cover" Teresa.

Jeff Hunt, owner of The Finish Line, provided some
great food and drink for many of his clients and friends.

The Good Neighbor Pharmacy/BG Oil Chevelle
got a lot of attention throughout the night. Check
out the GNP logo after it was tuned up a bit by
John McNall, owner of McNall Advertising of
Monrovia. Nice job, John.

Raffle tickets were sold during the afternoon and
evening to help offset the cost of the nitro and to also
give two lucky people a chance to sit in Hansen's T/F
car during the fire ups. Here Mark Wilkerson slides
into the seat for the start up around 7:00pm. Mark was
the first of two lucky winners.

Bob makes a few adjustments as Mark gets his
nitro fix!

Not a lot of room in there, huh Mark? That's Debbie
Nocita in the backround looking on.

Cool cars, cool people and a hot August night...
Does it get any better?

Variety is the name of the game at Carnight. Just
take a look at the three bikes in this picture.

....best time of the day.

Long time friend of Dalcorp, Doug Stokes (l) enjoys
the night with Powersports journalist and photographer

Ken Freund of The Write Stuff. Doug has been

responsible for providing many of the opportunities

that Dalcorp Racing has been a part of and is a

promoter of motorsports in general. He's also the

guy you want to talk to at Gale Banks Engineering.

Thanks Doug for all of your help over the years!

You are and always will be the man!

Another long time friend, Chris Shevlin
(second from the left), wife Becky, daughter Sarah

and friends spent the evening enjoying the action. Chris

is with Chicago Title Insurance and has been on board as

an associate sponsor of Dalcorp Racing since the late 90's.

Oh yeah, and the guy on the right? That's AJ Nocita,

another one of Dalcorp Racing's pilots. AJ was celebrating

his 21st birthday. Congratulations AJ!

Would you believe that Mark Wilkerson also won
the second drawing for the seat in the nitro car

fire up! He was quite the gentlemen,

however, giving the seat to "Colorado" Lauren Paff.

I think she was excited to be in the seat.....ya' think!

Lauren gave out a yell when the motor lit. It was

good to be CO-Lauren.

Bob getting ready to whack the throttle...

No caption necessary.

Lauren never put the rag over her face...she

handled the nitro like a pro. CO-Lauren, you are

"Bad A**!"

I think she liked it!

Hansen and Paff....Not a bad name for a nitro car!

Mernie (l) sold ice cream all night for Tim

"Captain Ice Cream" Gavern who had another engagement

and couldn't attend. Thanks Mernie for all of your

help.

Hansen, Bobby Lee and CO-Lauren talking over

her adventure. I don't know who had more

fun, Bob Hansen or CO-Lauren?

Kimberly Nocita, William Brown, CO-Lauren and

Kelly Brown share a moment at the end of the

night. And yes, that is THE Kelly Brown,

the fashion and costume designer. Thanks for

stopping in and joining the party!

"ARE YOU READY TO SKYDIVE?" Part 2

2009-08-19T06:07:00.000-07:00

From the sound of some of the feedback we received from part 1 of "ARE YOU READY TO SKYDIVE?" we might have some new jumpers the next time we go out as a group! We will keep everyone informed as to when that will be and we'll let you know once we set the next date...stay tuned!
There was another story within a story last Saturday concerning Margaret Davis and Colleen Heublein. It was very important that once we set the date for the jump that we did it early in the morning because of a scheduling issue for the mother/daughter duo. Mahgy and Colleen had a few things on the calendar that weekend. Colleen drove up from San Diego Saturday morning; Mahgy down from Azusa. After making their jumps and a quick lunch, Colleen left to head back to Valley Center to pack for an overnight stay in San Diego. Meeting up with Mahgy at the park and ride by North County Fair at 2:00pm it was down to The Sheraton in San Diego to check in at the Expo before it closed at 5pm. Check in? For what? The two were running the America's City Finest Half Marathon on Sunday morning! After check in it was over to the Bristol hotel in the Gaslamp district at around five and then off to dinner. On Sunday morning the wake up gun went off at 4:15am and then it was into a cab at 5:15am and off to Balboa Park. The only problem was that the traffic was so bad that after a mile or so they jumped out of the cab and went the last mile or so, uphill, on foot to get to the bus loading area at the park. They got to the start about 40 minutes before the starting gun went off at 7:00am. Colleen's been putting Mahgy's age on the back of her legs, 87, to answer some of the questions before they're asked. She enjoys the reactions of many of the runners who, when they see her age, are awestruck! And they should be! They both had a great race recording a finishing time of 2:46:51 and a 10k split of 1:12:36. Their time would have been a little better had it not been for a mid race pit stop to fix Mahgy's shoe. So after the finish of the race and the awards ceremony (she won her division with a time that was fast enough to have won in the 70's bracket), it was back to the hotel.... Colleen suggested that they walk the 2 1/2 miles back to the hotel....so they did! A quick shower and back in the car by 12:30pm and headed home. So, what did you do last weekend? Congratulations Mahgy and Colleen! You inspire us all!!!

Hope you enjoy the pictures below featuring the group 2 jumpers. Even though the first lady of Dalcorp, Debbie Nocita, jumped with group 1, the pictures below were just too cool not include them. The only question left to ask is...."ARE YOU READY TO SKYDIVE?"

The "D" in Dalcorp ready to rock!

Watch that first step...it's a doozey!!!!!

Picking up some major speed.

No movies on this flight but what a view!

It's that time again.....pull time.

It's all good.....

"Let's do that again!"

Suiting up....

Mike getting some instructions for the jump or

calling a football penalty....you be the judge.

From USC to Perris....

"It's all good!"

Mernie is ready...let the jumping begin!!

"Righteous! Righteous!"

"Hey, we're just gonna' jump out of an airplane, right?"

10 minute call.....

Crazy Nick with Claudia...you're gonna' have

quite a ride!!!

Claudia with some final thoughts....I mean, not

final....just some thoughts!

Mike looked more relaxed than his instructor.

Sis and dad came out to watch and give moral

support.

...I think Chris is ready to go.

There's always a lot of smiling going on in the

holding area....

Another full flight thanks to the Dalcorp gang.

Claudia ready to touch down.

Mikey's next...

Mike, where's your instructor?

Chris landing in the middle of all the action.

....remember that Top Gun theme music? So

does Mike.

Marisa, are you having a good time or what?

.....no caption necessary.

Marisa was smiling from the time she put

her suit on! I think she likes skydiving....

Mernie landing in the middle of the party.

"That...was...AWESOME!"

College buds that jump together, stay together.

And they walked away....2

Dane got to see his daddy "go flying."

In the video room, Kristy helping to calm Mernie
down. What a rush!!

Just like dropping in on a big wave, right Mike?

Dane and Carlo discussing the day.

It was quite a day.....and as Dane would say,

"All done."

"ARE YOU READY TO SKYDIVE?" Part 1

2009-08-18T07:06:00.001-07:00

When 13 adrenaline junkies gathered at the Perris Valley Skydiving School the question of the day was, "ARE YOU READY TO SKYDIVE?" The Dalcorp group along with family members and friends descended on the school for two reasons: 1. To celebrate Kimberly Nocita's level 8 jump to complete her AFF certification. 2. AJ Nocita's 21st birthday. Most of the supporting cast were first time jumpers but there were two who had jumped before. This would be the 3rd jump for Margaret Davis, the senior member of the group at 87 years young. Her daughter, Colleen Heublein, had also made a previous jump so many of the first-timers looked to them for direction. The instructors and staff at the school were awesome and made the morning a lot of fun even before the jump. You got the feeling that everyone had the theme from "Top Gun" playing in their heads as they readied themselves for their jump. There was high energy in the air to say the least. And with all the great pictures that were taken, this week's blog will be in two parts but it could have easily been in three or four! It was a safe day and one that won't be soon forgotten. "ARE YOU READY TO SKYDIVE?"

Debbie helping with the check in process on
Saturday morning...and it was a process!

Some classroom instruction and a video.

Derek Ness and AJ signing their lives away for real

Kimberly and her instructor, Joe, going over
the plan for her level 8 jump. Joe's been with
her the last 4 jumps.

Debbie getting some instruction from "AD."
She looks pretty calm...I think she felt that she
was in good hands!

AJ was trying to get pumped up.....right.

Some final words (no pun intended) and instructions.

....move over Tom Cruise.

This group is ready to go!

Cousin Carol with her instructor...no worries!

Keith and Denise Brown drove down just to watch

the jump. Now that's friendship...or they're in

the will!

The first gang to take to the skies. There were

so many in the group that they had to go up in

two planes.

And the instructors....

There goes that "Top Gun" theme music again!

Final exiting instructions for Kimberly.

Debbie with her camera girl and instructor.
We'll see some good action photos of Deb in part 2.

Carol and Debbie sharing a final moment before

the jump......don't say it.

...third and final equipment check.

This is getting to be old school for Mahgy...no

big deal.

Colleen keeping everyone pumped up!

This group looks pretty relaxed considering that

in just a few minutes they'll be jumping out of a

perfectly good airplane!

...another day, another jump.

The one that started it all. In part 2 will have

some more info on Mahgy's adventures.

It's go time!!!

Dane thoroughly enjoyed the day. He clapped

and cheered for every skydiver and plane that

came in.

Joe and Kimberly exiting the plane...12,500 feet

of fun!!!!

Deb coming in with "AD."

A perfect landing!

A very HAPPY landing!

Cousin Carol on her way.

AJ dropping out...those are some arms and legs!

I think AJ was having a good time.

Bummer...time to pull.

What a ride...what a view!

Kimberly on approach.

The Derek has landed!

...and so has AJ.

It never gets old...and neither does Mahgy!

Buds.....

Carol's son Carlo still has a mommy.

...And they walked away!

"The mommy has landed!"

Kimberly and Joe going over the jump.

Level 8: PASSED!

VICTORY! .....and makin' memories.

SEMA Show 'N Shine A Huge Success. Great People..Great Cars..Great Cause.

2009-08-02T05:02:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, August 1st, the place to be was at the Pasadena Convention Center for the Inaugural SEMA Show 'N Shine car show in Old Town Pasadena. The event was put on to benefit the charities of Childhelp and Victory Junction and it was a huge success. Mike Spagnola along with all the gang at SEMA did a great job pulling this unique show together. The variety of the cars that participated was incredible and as far as the quality of the rides....second to none! We heard several people commenting about how much they were enjoying the diversity of the show and hoped that there would be another one next year. Chip Foose was this year's Grand Marshall and made himself available to just about everyone at the show. He was tireless when it came to talking with people, giving autographs and photo ops. Bottom line, he's is one great car guy! Thank you, Chip!

The indoor setting really set this event apart from other shows and with the temps the way they were it was nice to be in an air conditioned venue all day. It was also nice to see so many of the "Who's Who" of the car world there to support SEMA and the charities. But what really sets one car show apart from another is the "Goodie Bag", right? Well, true to the show, it also scored an "A". In a custom backpack style Giovanna bag, among other things you found a large can of WD40, one of the sponsors of the event, Mother's Detailing Spray, hats, and an autographed SEMA Show t-shirt signed by Chip Foose, a very nice touch.

Dalcorp Racing had the Good Neighbor Pharmacy/BG Oil Cobalt there and we were privileged to have the opportunity to help promote the show on the Wednesday, July 29th. Gayle Anderson of KTLA Channel 5 came and did a story around some of the cars that were going to be a part of the show as did ABC that afternoon. We received several calls from friends saying they saw our car on the show that morning and as a result made plans to attend the show.

When the SEMA Show 'N Shine comes to town next year don't miss it! Knowing Mike and the SEMA gang, they'll kick it up a notch...and we want to be there for that!

The Good Neighbor Pharmacy/BG Oil Chevy
Cobalt looked awesome under the convention
center lights. What a cool (air conditioned!) venue
for a car show.

Blake Wigley got a chance to hang out with SEMA
Show 'N Shine Grand Marshall Chip Foose.

Corky Coker of Coker Tires was makin' the
rounds with Mike Spagnola. Who has more fun
than Corky at a car show?

Dave Pfost's beautiful 1971 Camaro was on
display and looked great as usual.

The new Alfa Romeo due to be released in
the states next year. The paint on this car was
unbelievable.

900 hp? No way......way.

All you Charger fans were well represented. Check

out these Giovanna wheels on this bad boy.

....you had to see it to believe it....wow.

The caliber of cars that attended this inaugural

event was over the top. And the variety of cars?

Unbelievable...

This was a crowd favorite...a 1963 split window

Corvette with an injected big block. Oh, and it

was shiny, too.

Here's something that you don't see every day...

a blown HEMI in a 1955 Chevy Nomad.

Don Weberg of Garage Style Magazine talking

with Corky Coker. Like I said, Corky makes

the rounds!

Our favorite weather guy, Dallas Raines, with

Diko Giovanna and Mike Spagnola.

Not sure what class this hot rod fits into but

it was cool. Some very innovative ideas were incorporated

into the chassis and drive train....and it gets 15 mpg!

Anyone who knows anything about Corvettes will

recognize the gentlemen on the right...Dick Guldstrand.

Dick is without question the greatest Vette racer

of all time. At 82 he's still behind the wheel of

his race cars. Here Ted, Left, and Jeff share a few

moments with their friend.

Dallas and Mike having a laugh with Chip

Foose during one of his autograph sessions.

Carson Lev, Chips agent and Dallas enjoying the

show. Carson is President and CEO of Redphin

Productions, an automotive licensing and marketing

group.

l to r - Travis, Jenne, and Greg Ring with Diana

Spagnola. The show wasn't just for car guys and

gals, it was a family affair.

Here's a scary lookin' bunch hanging out by the

Cobalt.

Chip was amazing throughout the entire event.

He signed autographs and had his picture taken

almost all day. Thanks Chip for helping

make this year's SEMA Show 'N Shine Inaugural

Event such a huge success!

Mysterious performance takes Dalcorp out first round. Numbers leave team (and organizer) scratching their heads.

2009-07-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

In life, they say, timing is everything. That certainly was the case at the Gene Berg VW event at The Auto Club Dragstrip in Fontana last Sunday. The Dalcorp race team was ready to do battle in some very warm conditions with their always cool driver, Wyatt Radke. The three rounds of qualifying went well with the GNP/BG Oil Manx running very consistent times given the conditions. We knew the car would be off by a couple of tenths given the air quality and temperature and it was. The morning session produced a 12.31 e.t. at 105mph followed by a 12.37 and a 12.38 at the same mph. First round would be at about 12:30pm so the team dialed Wyatt in at a conservative 12.37 and felt confident that with Radke doing his job on the starting line there wouldn't be any danger of breaking out, or running too quickly. Spotting our first round opponent a little over a tenth of a second Wyatt left first by .05, caught and passed him by half track. He was well out in front by the 1,000 foot mark so at about 1,200 feet he rolled out of the gas and scrubbed off some speed with the brake (about 5 mph) before the finish line to insure there wasn't any chance of breaking out. Up came the numbers...12.22 @ 100mph!!! The saying also goes, "the numbers don't lie." Well, in this case they did. After looking at all three qualifying runs and the numbers from the first round time slip everything added up to the 1,000 foot mark. The 60, 330, 660 and 1,000 foot numbers were almost identical. After that, some how from 1,000 feet to the finish line with Wyatt off the gas and on the brakes (confirmed by the in car camera) we picked up .15's! After a meeting with the event organizer, Clyde Berg, it was determined that something was definitely wrong. There had also been 2 or 3 other cars in the left lane that also broke out by the same amount. Berg said he would rerun the race if that's what we wanted but we decided to let our opponent make the decision. After a brief discussion with the other driver, Clyde came back and said he didn't want to run the race again; he thought he'd won fair and square. It was a team decision to let the matter go rather than create any turmoil for Clyde and the other organizers of the event. Overall the event was well run and it had been a good day given the conditions. And, as yet another saying goes, "there's a million ways to lose and one way to win." And this loss was one in a million...

Our "Thanks to" shot....

First round qualifying pass; only about 95 degrees.

Shade is good.

"General Pato" directing the action.

Jeff putting Wyatt in the beams.

Hey Radke, this ain't Formula One! What's with

the umbrella girl?

Pat showing Cameron the results of a lot of

hard work at the table.

Belting in for first round...106 degrees.

Wyatt was on the tree and out in front by half

track...but where's the win light?

Win or lose, "Who has more fun than we do?"

Seven down, One to go! Certification jump in August will be a party!

2009-07-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

It seems like just yesterday that Kimberly Nocita started her AFF certification process. With 7 levels down and just one to go, Kimberly is starting to count down the days to August 15, the date of her final certification jump. "Except for the drain on my bank account it seems like yesterday that I started the program." Several of Kim's friends and family have decided to come out to support her on the 15th, but they're also going to have a little fun! About 12 to 15 wanna-be jumpers have decided to take the opportunity to make tandem jumps to celebrate the day. It also will be a time to party for her brother AJ who is turning 21 the following week. It should be quite a day for photo opportunities as even Kim's mom Debbie and grandmother Mahgy will be jumping. Talk about "Girl Power!" Be careful you crazy kids!

Joe had Kim in the harness again...makin' sure

she's getting it right.

....everyone gets into the act at the school.

Continued focus on equipment at the higher

levels is crucial. You want to be comfortable

with your rig when you're on your own.

10 minute call...

Time to rock and roll!

Look at the guy in the shorts. Is he jumping

or going to the beach?

Right on the mark!

Another safe landing...

Joe and Kim going over the jump. It was all good.

Some final tune up issues regarding level 7.

The proud instructor...another one down safely!

Annual Carnight event set for August 27th. Don't miss this one!

2009-07-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

Once a year the corner of Chestnut and Alta Vista in Monrovia turns into a most unique gathering site for car guys and gals. The Finish Line, WR Trans and Dalcorp/AREA 51 open their doors and close the street to accommodate the many automobile enthusiasts who come to see a unique array of hot rods, muscle cars, customs, bikes, race cars...you name it, you'll probably see it at Carnight. Below are a few pics from last year's happening. Check out Bob Hansen's nostalgia T/F car, The Wynn's Spoiler, as he fired it up and gave everyone a dose of nitro and flames. Come join the fun, August 27th, from 5:00pm til ? and bring your ride. Thanks to Good Neighbor Pharmacy, BG Oil Products, Chicago Title Insurance and Chris Shevlin, AVComm, Crow Safety Gear, and Imagine It Graphics for helping to make things happen. It's a night you won't want to miss!

Good Neighbor Pharmacy plays host to many
of the events at Dalcorp/AREA 51.

Kenn Funk's vintage NASCAR at The Finish Line.

Check out some of the "old iron" in front of

The Finish Line.

It's "Hot August Nights" in Monrovia!

...how cool is this? We never had one of these

when we were kids.

Bob Hansen put smiles on a lot of faces by lighting

the candles of The Wynn's Spoiler top fuel dragster.

Kristy Roblee had the best seat in the house

for the nitro show as Bob "makes her bark!"

Kimberly Nocita Jumping For Joy On Her 24th Birthday!

2009-06-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Kimberly Nocita decided what she really wanted for her birthday was to, as the saying goes, jump out of a perfectly good airplane. She did that twice on June 28th, her 24th birthday, and is now only two jumps away from receiving her first level of certification as a skydiver. On a warm and breezy day at The Perris Skydiving School, Kim completed her levels 5 and 6 which she said were the most fun levels yet. As part of level 6, you work on stabilizing your flight in the event you are tumbling or rolling in the air. Before you can stabilize, you have to be unstable, right? So you stand in the doorway at 12,500 feet, bend over, grab you knees and your instructor pushes you out! After 5 to 8 seconds you move into your arched position to regain stability and go on with your skydive. Yeah, Kim....that sounds like a lot of fun.....

Before her first jump of the day...you need
to relax a little, Kim.

Going over a video of what she'll be doing to complete
her level 5 jump. Her instructor, Joe, giving her
some pointers.

Practicing a new exit technique...from outside the
plane. Pretty cool.

Kim and Joe...ready to go!

Headin' for the plane...it's go time.

Level 5 completed and a good, safe landing.

You'd never know it was 106 degrees! Lookin'

cool, Kim!

We've seen this smile before...

Getting ready for Level 6...practicing the

"delta wing." With this maneuver you generate

some serious speed.

Suiting up and checking equipment.

Final instructions from Steve. He was one of

her first instructors.

Special friend Clayton Young gave Kimberly some

new shoes for her birthday and you could spot

them at 2,000 feet!

Level 6 completed and a stand up landing!

Level 6, the most fun so far!

Instructor Steve...he calls her "a rock star!"

Good Neighbor Pharmacy/BG Oil Cobalt Runner-up finish at IDRC Fontana. Strange day and smart racing puts Erica in the finals.

2009-06-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

On a day that it was supposed to rain, conditions turned out to be almost perfect for racing at The Auto Club Dragway in Fontana. The Auto Club staff had the track well prepared, maybe a little too well prepared, as several cars broke numerous parts leaving the starting line which created a long day of clean up for the track officials. Erica Nocita, driving the GNP/BG Oil Cobalt and Wyatt Radke, in the VW Manx were ready to do battle as qualifying began around 9:30am. On his first pass, Wyatt left the line hard but the trans popped out of gear and the run came to an abrupt halt about 3 feet off the starting line. With no apparent damage, it was back in the staging lanes for another qualifying attempt. Erica was up next in the very competitive "Quick" class for her first run and the Cobalt was sounding like it was ready to win. She left the line hard and was on a great pass when the car failed to shift into 3rd gear. Not good. After getting the car back to the pits and a discussion by phone with Steve Moore of GM Racing, it was concluded that an internal problem in the trans would put us on the trailer for the day.

Back at the starting line, Wyatt made a great run and gave us a baseline time to work with, a 12.15 at 104 mph. After a small tire pressure adjustment it was back to the line and another good pass - 12.11 at 105 mph. We felt as though we had a handle on the car so we parked it and waited for first round.

After some discussion it was decided that we'd go ahead and take the Cobalt up for first round. There is always a chance of your competition turning on the red light (a foul start) or breaking, especially with the traction being as good as it was. As we came up to the starting line we noticed that we didn't have anyone to race! Our first round opponent had broken in qualifying and couldn't get it to the starting line! We went ahead and made the single run with Erica trying to quick-shift the car into 3rd gear to see if that might override the problem. It didn't, but we got the win. Wyatt came up and smoked his first round competition with ease. We now had both cars in the second round.

Rad's next race was fun to watch. The car in the other lane tried playing some staging games against Wyatt by not coming into the beams in a timely manner. He sat there for some time, revving his engine and refusing to stage. Wyatt went into the beams first, and he followed shortly after. With a dial in of 14.30 to our 12.05, Wyatt was giving up a little over 2 seconds on the starting line. The driver of the other car evidently got a little confused and before he figured out what had happened, Wyatt left the line and was out in front about 100 feet off the starting line and took the win easily.

We brought Erica back to the starting line happy that we had made it through the first round with a wounded car. Surprise number two. In the previous round the car we were supposed to race had won their round, but hurt their motor in the process and wouldn't be able to make the call. Erica brought the Cobalt to the starting line and eased it down the track for win number two, which put her into the finals of the eight car field.

As Wyatt lined up for his third round race, we were feeling confident because both the car and Wyatt seemed to be performing beautifully. Wrong. As Wyatt let the clutch fly the car shuttered and came to a stop about 5 feet off the line with a broken transmission. Our opponent in the other lane had the head start but didn't see that Wyatt was broken. He ran his car to the finish line running faster than his dial in and broke out by a few thousandths of a second giving us the win!

Now, with two broken cars, we had one in the finals and one in the quarter finals! Unfortunately, we couldn't get Wyatt's car to move under it's own power so he was done for the day. We handed the next round win to our opponent...what goes around comes around. Erica lined up in the finals against seasoned racer Ali Afshar in his Subaru. She gave it the old college try, but without 3rd gear the race was over by a thousand feet and Ali had the win.

It was quite a day of highs and lows. Sometimes, as in life, you just have to show up. Other times, you feel like you've got the world by the tail and it gets away from you. But at the end of the day, if everyone is safe and the cars are in one piece, it's all good. Thanks to all the IDRC staff and track workers for all of their hard work and for giving us a good, safe track all day. You guys are the best!

The Dalcorp pit...ready to race on a day that it
was suppose to rain!

Erica and Wyatt sharing a few moments before
qualifying.

The Cobalt sounded angry on the burnout....

...ready to rock.

Wyatt coming out of the water box. He was on

the tree all day with great reaction times.

"Lil Kass" with her first race behind the wheel.

Could this be a sign of things to come? Watch

out, Erica!

Ready for first round....focused.

Chris Shevlin and Chicago Title Insurance...this

one's for you.

The orange and purple car tried playing some

staging games with Wyatt on the starting line.

Big mistake.

BIG mistake. He had a two second head start

but Wyatt was out in front by 100 feet!

Erica and her final round opponent, Ali Afshar.

Heading into the finals.....

Erica came off the line first, but without 3rd gear

the race went to Afshar. Congratulations Ali!

The best time of the day. The trophy and the

check! Thanks IDRC!

We had the youngest crew member of any

team by far!

It took a little doing but Al finally got his hands

on the check!

Cloverly Elementary School Career Day a reunion for Blake Wigley.

2009-06-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

When Blake Wigley, Dalcorp Racing's newest crew member joined the team, he never imagined he would be going back to elementary school - especially the one he had attended just three years before. It was Career Day at Cloverly Elementary School and Dalcorp's Erica Nocita spoke to several groups of children about the sport and business she loves...drag racing. It was refreshing to see young people who were engaging, intelligent, and polite, given all the negative comments we hear in the news today. It was also fun watching Blake reunite with some of his teachers and friends from just a few years back. Thanks to all the staff, especially Jenny Thai and Lynn Tenney for making our time at Cloverly such an enjoyable one. We hope you have us back next year!

Erica speaking to her first group of children before
heading over to the car.

Blake had the car lookin' good for the kids.

So many of the children asked great questions.

I think that by the end of the session, some of

these kids could have driven the car!

It looks like he's thinking, "Yeah, I could drive

it."

Erica did eight or nine presentations throughout

the morning. I don't know how she does it!

The Good Neighbor Pharmacy/BG Oil Cobalt

was definitely a big hit.

Erica receiving a certificate of appreciation from

counselor Jenny Thai.

Great job guys!