blackline

 

The Vintage Racing Association duly formed and honored the first 12 Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters to break into the "magic" 5-second zone but like NHRA and other organizations they did not recognize those who go fast!  WDIFL.com Racing, Billy Robins and Jack Harris Racing picked up that ball as we all know that big MPH = horsepower and a driver willing to take it out the "back door" (on a 12" tire!). We honor those on this exclusive list that honors the first 16 drivers to exceed 250 MPH at a sanctioned track.

Since that first “250” by Jim Murphy in 1998 there have been many more run - the bulk of them by Murphy, Gerry Steiner and Jack Harris (including a stunning 265.09 at the 2005 California Hot Rod Reunion). Seven other drivers have broken the barrier more than once, but none with consistency. Six members have only done it once. This is no easy feat.

As new drivers join this club they will not get huge trophies or fancy jackets. What they got was a hat few can wear and a certificate to commemorate the accomplishment. Most of all they will have the personal satisfaction of DOING IT.

* Indicates that the 250+ speed was run at a non-VRA sanctioned event.

 

Jim Murphy, Gerry Steiner, Jack Harris, Howard Haight, Jeff Diehl (not pictured) Dale Suhr for Roger Lechtenberg, Mendy Fry, Bill Dunlap, Jason Richey (not pictured), Terry Cox, Brett Harris, Lee Jennings Sr., Rick White, Rick McGee, Sean Bellemeur and Rick Rogers.

 

The 16 members, including the name of the driver, team, MPH, event run, and location are listed below in the order they were inducted:

 

blackline

 

1. Jim Murphy, WW 2 Racing, 250.00
Goodguys 1998 March Meet @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

2. Gerry Steiner, Steiner & Berger Racing, 250.06
Goodguys 2002 Finals @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

3. Jack Harris, Nitro Thunder Racing, 254.23
Goodguys 2002 Finals @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

4. Howard Haight, Fugowie Racing, 250.13
Goodguys 2003 March Meet @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

5. Jeff Diehl, RB Entertainment Racing, 250.20
2003 NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

*6. Roger Lechtenberg, Dale & Kat Shur Racing, 252.51
World Series of Drag Racing (2004) @ Cordova, IL

 

 

blackline

 

7. Mendy Fry, High Speed Motorsports, 251.32
2004 NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

8. Bill Dunlap, Mike Fuller Racing, 250.27
Goodguys 2004 Finals @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

9. Jason Richey, Dave Smith Racing, 253.09
Goodguys 2004 Finals @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

*10. Terry Cox, Cox-Rodeck Racing, 250.59
NHRA Winter Test Session (Jan. 2005) @ Firebird Raceway, Chandler, AZ

 

 

blackline

 

*11. Brett Harris, Jack Harris Racing, 252.14
Winter Test Session (Feb 05, 2005) @ Las Vegas Raceway, Nevada

 

 

blackline

 

*12. Lee Jennings Sr., California Trucker, 251.74
Winter Test Session (Feb 06, 2005) @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

13. Rick White, Neal & White Racing, 250.13
Goodguys 2005 Nitro Nationals @ Infinion Raceway, Sonoma, CA

 

 

blackline

 

14. Rick McGee, Tedford & McGee, 251.11
Goodguys 2005 Pomona Nitro Nationals @ Fairplex Raceway, Pomona, CA

 

 

blackline

 

15. Sean Bellemeur, High Speed Motorsports, 250.60
Goodguys 2005 1st Northwest Nationals @ Pacific Raceway, Kent, WA

 

 

blackline

 

16. Rick Rogers, Hammerhead Racing, 250.00
2005 NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion @ Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield

 

 

blackline

 

Don Ewald of WDIFL.com presented the Award Certificates during the pre race ceremonies at the 2005 California Hot Rod Reunion at Bakersfield. Here Jim Murphy, Gerry Steiner, Jack Harris, Howard Haight, Dale Suhr for Roger Lechtenberg, Mendy Fry and Bill Dunlap prepare to be recognized.

 

Mendy Fry, the only female in the club, receives her certificate.

 

Lee Jennings Sr. drove the only Chevy powered fueler to make the list.

 

The final two members, Sean Bellemeur (above) and Rick Rogers (below) receive their awards.

 

 

Rogers filled the 16th and final spot less than 24 hours before the ceremony netting a 250.00 on his second qualifying pass on Saturday.

 

The first three members... Jim Murphy, Gerry Steiner and Jack Harris.

 

John Rodeck, Terry Cox and John Cox of the Cheetah II NTF team.

 

The only driver in the club that's retired is Gerry Steiner who was there with his daughter, Jerilynn.

 

blackline

 

Members Site Map || Visitors Site Map

 

Site Copyright© 1998-2018. All Rights Reserved.

 

.