Sir Thomas Inc.

Changes In Store For Mel Bush Motorsports And Driver Tommy D'Aprile In 2010

2010-01-21T17:15:05Z

Mel Bush Motorsports has hired Billy Gibson as the new tuner. Tommy D'Aprile is very excited at the prospect of working with Billy. Billy and I have spent some time getting to know each other and I feel like we are really on the same page in our driving styles. I look forward to running ADRL Pro Extreme next season, and setting some records.

Despite Early Exit D'Aprile Continues To Move Up Points Ladder

2009-07-27T22:53:36Z

DINWIDDIE, VA -The Mel Bush Motorsports team entered the ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II 12th in points and was looking to make a big move up the ladder but lady luck had other ideas.

With qualifying shortened to only two sessions teams struggled to get a handle on the Virginia Motorsports Park surface; Mel Bush Motorsports was one of the teams. Crew Chief Kevin Peters took a conservative approach on the team's first hit.

"I just wanted to get her down the track. I needed the data and knew our soft setup would give us that," said Peters.

Luckily their "soft" setup netted a 3.923 elapsed time and placed him10th in the provisional field.

]]> For their second attempt the team entered the staging lanes early in the hopes of laying down a number good enough to secure their place in the filed and get prepared for round one. The luck from the first session did not carry over to round two of qualifying as the big red 62' Bel Air blew the tires off at the hit.

What was to be a time to prepare confidently for round one, turned into a nervous time for Tommy D'Aprile and crew. The team continued to get their machine ready for round one as they listened to ADRL announcers, Brian Olson and Al Tucci , give play by play of each run with the bump spot continually closing in on D'Aprile's 3.923.

"It's pretty nerve racking knowing you have to get the car ready when your listening to the radio hearing the bump fall to our 3.93… and to not be able to do a thing about it makes it worse," said crew member Jake Fahy.

Luckily for Fahy and crew the 3.93 held placing them 16th in the 16-car field, which turned out to be the second quickest field in ADRL Pro Extreme history.

Not so lucky for the Mel Bush team was the fact that they would have to face the number one qualifier and teammate, Mike Janis.

"We're having some issues with our clutch program and we need a few more hits to try and get this thing right, having to face Mike in round one being somewhat handicapped in the clutch area is tough," said team drive Tommy D'Aprile.

D'Aprile didn't lay down for his teammate in round one. The two left the starting line just one one thousands of a second apart, but that was it for the Mel Bushg Team as D'Aprile put out a cylinder just past the 60 foot mark and Janis drove by taking the win.

"These things are very touchy, said team owner Mel Bush. Between these two cars we have as much if not more power than anyone here. The key is in the clutch. We have a new clutch in the car and we're having some troubles with it. Before round one we were lucky enough to have Jeff Prock of Applied Nitrous Technologies come by to give us a hand setting the clutch before we went up this round and it seemed to help but we got bit by a sparkplug of all things. Somehow the porcelain had a small crack in it and caused it to arc out. It was just one of those weekends you have racing; the kind you don't want to see a lot of," said Bush.

Despite the struggles this weekend D'Aprile did manage to move up one spot on the points ladder in the Speedtech Nitrous "Battle for the Belts" points standings. D'Aprile is now less than Three Rounds out of the top eight with three races remaining on the ADRL National Guard 2009 Schedule.

Mel Bush Motorsports Look To Re-Gain Winning Form In Virginia

2009-07-22T22:13:31Z

ELMA, NY - After not qualifying at the last ADRL event in Topeka the Mel Bush Motorsports team too stock of the situation and chalked it up as a lesson learned.

"Topeka is behind us and the only thing good that came from it is we learned what NOT to do. Other than that we're moving forward," said team owner Mel Bush. "We're still in the hunt to make the top eight and from here on out we need to eliminate anything that can hurt us."

Team Driver Tommy D'Aprile echoed the boss' sentiments. "We have four races left before Dallas and the "Battle for the Belts"; I know we have the right combination of equipment and people to get the job done. We just need to set a goal, focus on it, and not look back," said D'Aprile.

]]> D'Aprile currently sits 12th in Speedtech Nitrous "Battle for the Belts" points standings, less than two rounds out of the top eight. At the completion of the Flowmaster DRAGSTOCK VI September 11-12, 2009, the top eight in the points will be seeded and put on ladders.

Number one will race number eight; number two will race number seven and so on. Those three rounds, which will determine the 2009 ADRL Pro Extreme World Champion, will be run under the lights on Friday night October 23, 2009 at the 5th annual LenMar Motorsports ADRL World Finals at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Texas

The National Guard American Drag Racing League (ADRL) will be at Virginia Motorsports Park (VMP) July 24-25, with its ADRL NATIONALGUARD.com U.S. Drags II, the sixth of 10 scheduled eighth-mile events this year. For up to the minute reports go to: http://www.dragracecentral.com and for a live feed check out http://www.adrl.us.

Mel Bush Motorsports Stumbles in Topeka

2009-07-08T23:26:24Z

ELMA, NY - For Mel Bush Motorsports and Driver Tommy D'Aprile the rain delayed ADRL's Ford Drive One event will be known as "The one that got away".

When Friday's test sessions at the ADRL'S Hardee's Independence Drags III were over it was clear that Tommy D was at the wheel of the car to beat. Posting high 3.80 runs near 200 miles per hour when no other team had made a full pass made it clear that the Red '62 of Mel Bush was on a mission.

When the ADRL's Ford Drive One event re-started D'Aprile was in the second round with lane choice over veteran outlaw racer, Todd Tutterow. Tutterow took an early lead due to his reaction time but was no match for the hard charging D'Aprile. D'Aprile took the win with the quickest elapsed time of the round, 3.812 at 196.33 to Tutterow's 3.917 at 197.31.

]]> The win over Tutterow gave D'Aprile lane choice over Roger Henson's Widow Maker driven by Bubba Stanton. Stanton took out Travis Swearingen and Wes Johnson on his way to the semis.

Again D'Aprile gave up a slight starting line advantage but was able to quickly overcome the deficit. Then disaster struck. Just passed half-track with the race in the bag the throttle cable broke. D'Aprile watched as a Stanton struggled to gain traction and then passed the 62' Bel Air of Mel Bush on his way to the finals.

A dejected D'Aprile knew the race was his to loose. "We had the best car today but sometimes luck isn't on your side. There's nothing we can do now other than move forward and put this behind us," said D'Aprile.

To add insult to injury the losing run counted as one of D'Aprile's qualifying passes for the ADRL'S Hardee's Independence Drags III, leaving only two more shots to get into the field for that event.

On his second attempt D'Aprile and his crew needed to adjust to a green race surface. Heavy rains poured down the night before leaving bald sections on the track. D'Aprile posted a 4.10 pass good enough for 15th at the end of the session.

While waiting in the lanes D'Aprile watched as his 4.10 was moved to the bump spot. As D'Aprile brought the RPMs against the two-step you could hear something was not right. The engine was screaming and when the car launched it blew the tires off ending what looked to be a promising weekend for the Mel Bush Motorsports team.

"This is tough. These guys work real hard and for two malfunctions to bite us in the same weekend is just unreal," said Team Owner Mel Bush. "We'll regroup and be ready for Virginia. We can't let this get us down".

Mel Bush Team Heads To ADRL Ford Drive One Event Short Handed

2009-06-03T17:11:51Z

ELMA, NY - This past off-season Mel Bush hired two experienced crewmembers in Eric and Jake Fahy. The two have proved extremely beneficial to Mel Bush Motorsports so much so that they will be sorely missed at this coming weekend's ADRL Ford Drive One Summer Drags V in Martin Michigan.

When the two were hired they were upfront with Mel and let him know that since they also work for Bob Bode's AR-BEE Transparent Products nitro funny car team they may have some conflicting dates. With Bode running a limited 09' schedule the only conflicting date lands on this weekend.

"It's tough. We're committed to both teams," said Eric Fahy. "The nitro team has been our gig for over five years now and we need to be there. We hate to leave Mel and Tommy (D'Aprile) short handed but I know that Mike Janis and his guys will do what ever it takes to pick up for us."

Jake Fahy echoed his cousin's sentiments. "This is our first season with Mel, Tommy and Mike (Janis) and they've been nothing but fantastic to work with. They've made it so easy for us. We honestly look forward to every race with excitement because the entire ADRL deal is just plain fun. We hate not being there, but we're confident in Kevin, Mike Jr. and Mike. We'll be back for the Independence Drags and the rest of the season, said Jake Fahy.

]]> With the Fahy boys out for the race the team will be left with Crew Chief Kevin Peters and just one full time crew member, Mike Bush. Bush, the grandson of team owner Mel Bush, has been easing into his crew duties over the past two seasons but he'll take the lead position this weekend.

"I know Mike (Janis) and his guys will be there so I'm not worried at all about being undermanned; those guys have it together. I know there'll be more asked of me and that's fine. Both Tommy and I will be adding to our usual duties but I'm sure we'll be OK," said Bush.

For more info on the ADRl Ford Drive One Summer Drags V check out: http://www.adrl.us/index.php/main/event/

Photo by: Roger Richards

Mel Bush Motorsport Team Looking to Rock 'N Roll at ADRL Quarter-Max Memphis Drags

2009-05-21T00:04:30Z

ELMA, NY - With team owner Mel Bush returning to the ADRL, after illness forced him to leave the last event before eliminations, the Mel Bush Motorsports team is heading to the home of the Memphis Blues and the birthplace of Rock 'N Roll intact and looking for their first ADRL victory.

"The doctors have cleared me, and I can't wait to get back to the track," said Bush." I was extremely happy after qualifying in Georgia, and very disappointed I didn't get to see eliminations. We're going into our third race and I still haven't seen us take a round. I'm sure that'll change this weekend," said Bush.

Crew chief Kevin Peters, of Jan-Cen Motorsports, is happy the boss will be back and hopes to show him how the team is progressing.

]]> "It'll be good to have Mel back with us at the track. We gave him a glimpse of what's to come during qualifying at SGMP; I hope we can show him some more this weekend," said Peters.

Driver Tommy D'Aprile knows that Peters and the crew from Jan-Cen give him what he needs to do his job behind the wheel, but it's the time at the races when he's out from behind the wheel that complete his job as a driver and spokesperson for Mel Bush Motorsports.

"There's nothing better than the rush you get from being behind the wheel of one of these things, but meeting and interacting with the fans can be just as rewarding. Memphis is a new market for us and there's going to be an opportunity to make new fans. I'd like to encourage them to stop by our pit, pick up a souvenir, or get an autograph. I try to make myself available to everyone whenever I can," said D'Aprile.

The ADRL QUARTER-MAX Memphis Drags II will be held May 22nd and 23rd at Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, Tennessee.

For race results go to: http://www.adrl.us and http://dragracecentral.com

Tommy and Mike Mike Castellana qualifying

2009-05-20T23:44:05Z

Here's some footage shot from the stands at the 2008 Amalie Oil North American Nationals.

Tommy made a nice pass in the last qualifying attempt against Mike. The run before this was put Tommy into the #3 spot for the race when he ran 6.057 @ 230.06mph.

Race day ended early when Tommy turned on the red light.

Thanks to jayork1347 for posting this.

Mel Bush Returns to See D'Aprile Take Quarter Final Finish

2009-05-19T16:55:06Z

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Team owner Mel Bush returned to the track this weekend after health problems forced him to miss eliminations at the Hardee's Georgia Drags. Heading into this event Bush had yet to see his famous 62' Bel Air take a round win; driver Tommy D'Aprile and crew were determined to make that change. After struggling early on they came through for their owner, but not without some excitement along the way.

After the team's aborted first qualifier the crew was towing back to the pits when "Big Money" Bil Clanton crashed and was on his side on fire. Without thinking the Mel Bush crew and driver jumped the barrier and opened the door. With the car was laying on it's driver side, D'Aprile, in his fire suit sans helmet and gloves, reached in to pull out a struggling Clanton while Jake Fahy untangled his legs. (Fahy was only wearing a crew shirt and shorts when he reached into the flames.)

"You just act. You see a guys in trouble and you don't think you just do what it takes to help him," said Jake Fahy. "I'm glad he's OK."

While the team struggled early in qualifying they where able to put it to the pavement when it counted, posting a 3.87 at 192 on their last attempt, good enough for twelfth on the ADRL Quarter-Max qualifying sheet.

]]> "We lost the blower belt just before the finish line," said D'Aprile. "We lost some speed and elapsed time but I'm pleased with the run. I'm sure Kevin (Crew Chief Kevin Peters) will have her ready for first round."

Peters and crew did have her ready for round one when D'Aprile squared off with recent PX event winner, Jason Hamstra. In what many considered an upset, D'Aprile took a big win for team owner Mel Bush. D'Aprile led from start to finish with a .050 reaction time to Hamstra's .077. The margin of victory was four hundredths of a second, with D'Aprile's quicker 3.803 at 197 taking the light. The 3.803 is a personal best for D'Aprile.

In round two D'Aprile was again paired with a 2009 event champion, Todd Tutterow, winner of the ADRL Saftey-Kleen Drags in Houston. It was over at the hit with Tutterow taking the starting line advantage and D'Aprile being forced to peddle with traction problems. Tutterow posted a 3.877 at 200 miles per hour to D'Aprile's slower 4.426 at 181.84.

"We had a great time this weekend. The car is coming around and I know we'll be even better next race. The crew has really gelled and we're having a lot of fun together. The practical jokes have already started. (See attached photo) Just ask our crew member Michael Bush," said D'Aprile.

Photo by: Denise "RacerChick" Ramsey and Mel Bush Motorsports

Mel Bush on the Mend as D'Aprile takes Quarter-Final Finish at Georgia Drags

2009-04-16T03:28:58Z

Elma, NY - When Friday's final runs were over at this weekends American Drag Racing League's Hardee's Georgia Drags IV at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil, Georgia, Tommy D'Aprile's team owner, Mel Bush was a happy man. His Pro Extreme '62 Bel Air driven by D'Aprile posted a 3.819 at 196.64 miles per hour and was firmly planted into the top half of the field. The Bush team was flying high until news reached the pits early Saturday morning that Bush's family had taken him to a local Georgia hospital. It was later learned that Bush was having complications from a surgery performed earlier in the month. He was admitted to the Georgia hospital and then later transferred to a hospital near his Port Saint Lucie, Florida home.

Mel is expected to make a full recovery after taking some prescribed R&R. The Bush family and the entire Mel Bush Motorsports team would like to thank the staff of the ADRL, fellow racers, and the fans for all the well wishes received this weekend.

]]> The crew of Mel Bush Motorsports knew their leader would want nothing but a 100% effort and they forge ahead. After taking a strange win in round one when Ed Hoover was DQ’d for crossing the centerline on the burnout D’Aprile squared off with his former mentor, Quain Stott in the quarter-finals. Stott got the best of D’Aprile this time with a 3.79 to D’Aprile’s 3.87.

It wasn’t that long ago that an 87 would be a good run, said D’Aprile. We have a bit of catching up to do but this team can do it. The power is there we just have to find a way to use it.

Next up for the Mel Bush Motorsports team will be the ADRL Memphis Drags II on May 22 and 23 at Memphis Motorsports Park in Millington, Tennessee.

Mel Bush Motorsport Team Has High Hopes Heading to Georgia Drags

2009-04-07T16:25:31Z

ELMA, NY - After coming just five one thousandths of a second short of making the field at the ADRL season opener last month in Houston the team of Mel Bush and driver, Tommy D'Aprile feel confident their Jan-Cen/Mike Janis prepared '62 Bel Air's performance will improve at this weekends American Drag Racing League's Hardee's Georgia Drags IV at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil, Georgia.

"I once watched our roots blown car go up against a screw car and said it was like bringing a knife to a gun fight. I vowed that wouldn't happen again but last race our gun was just of a smaller caliber than we would have liked. This week we've stepped up to a .50 caliber," said Bush.

Crew chief Kevin Peters agrees with his team owner. "We weren't that far off in Houston but I know how much more is available to us now. I feel we have the power to compete with any team out there".

Peters has high praise for his driver and feels now is the time to test both driver and machine. "Tommy did a great job for it being his first time behind the wheel this season but I hope he's ready for what we've got this weekend. It's time to step it up," said Peters.

]]> For driver Tommy D'Aprile any day at the racetrack is a good day but for a Christian this weekend holds special meaning. "I have to look at this weekend as both a racer and a Christian. The racer in me can't wait to be at the track and compete against the best racers in the world. I know Kevin and the guys at Jan-Cen have worked tirelessly on this car to give me the safest and best performance possible, but as a Christian I also have to respect my faith on the holiest weekend on the Christian calendar. While because of the ADRL format I'll be able to enjoy Easter Sunday with my family, I'll have to pay my respects to my faith on Good Friday and Holy Saturday in my own way at the track," said D'Aprile.

Mel Bush Motorsports and Tommy D'Aprile Ready For ADRL Debut at Safety-Kleen Dragpalooza V

2009-03-03T09:47:14Z

Elma, NY â€" The 2009 season is fast approaching and bringing with it a plethora of changes for the Mel Bush Motorsports team. The biggest of which will be a the teams switch from Pro Mod to Pro Extreme.

If anyone questioned Mr. Bush's Commitment to the ADRL program they need look no further then the recent changes made by MBM. A new Dan Page built car is on the way for owner Mel Bush, new crewmembers have joined the team, and the '62 Bel Air has received some cosmetic and weight treatments as well as a new Jan-Cen Monster Power Screw Blower set up all in preparation for drag racing's version of the UFC.

The teams new interest for "Outlaw" racing can be traced to the final race of the '08 season for driver Tommy D'Aprile and team owner Mel Bush. For their season finale the duo decided to race close to their Florida homes at D'Aprile's home track Bradenton Motorsports Park at the Snow Bird Nationals.Â The '62 Bel Air, now dubbed "The Big Red Machine" was entered in the Outlaw Pro Mod category. Even though they were up against some heavy horse powered entries D'Aprile was able to bring the teams their first win.

As one season ended "Outlaw" a new season begins "Outlaw", but this time Mel Bush Motorsports won't be bringing a knife to a gun fight, they're bringing "Monster Power" from Jan-Cen Racing Engines.

"When we decided to do this I knew we had to go all out. After the Shakedown and the Snow Birds last year when I saw what those screw cars could doâ€¦ I knew if we're going to run "Outlaw" we had to have a screw on the car." Said team owner Mel Bush. "Luckily I have one of the best guys in the business on my side. Mike (Janis) and the guys over at Jan-Cen are some hard work'n sonsabitches. If they can put this car in the fives in legal trim I can't wait to see them with the gloves off."

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"If it weren't for the fans that come to these races none of us (racers) would be here. The ADRL's fan base is now one of the largest in the sport and I hope I can help give the people that support us the entertainment they are looking for. I just can't wait to perform in front of those numbers of fans," said D'Aprile.

The ADRL season opening Saftey-Kleen Dragpalooza V will take place at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas on March 6th and 7th. Bush and D'Aprile's Jan-Cen (Monster Power) powered, "Big Red Machine" will compete in the ultra competitive Pro Extreme (PX) class.

Mel Bush Motorsports consists of:

Team Owners: Mel and Johanne Bush
70 Â½ Driver: Mel Bush
62 Bel Air Driver: Tommy D'Aprile
Crew Chief: Kevin Peters
Truck Driver/Mechanic: Fred Vinacco
Eric Fahy: Cylinder Head Specialist/Body SpecialistÂ
Jake "Snake" Fahy: Clutch Specialist

Mel Bush Motorsports is sponsored by: Melvin Bush & Sons Const. Inc.,
headquartered at 2748 SW Casella St., Port Saint Lucie, FLÂ 34953, is an underground utilities contractor specializing in Water Sewer Pipeline Communication Power, and Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction.

Mel Bush Motorsports would also like to thank:

Carolyn L. Ashbee of Goodyear and NGK Spark Plugs

Mel Bush Motorsports and Driver Tommy D'Aprile Look To Build on Recent Performance Heading to The NHRA Virginia Nationals

2008-10-08T03:27:02Z

Elma, NY -- FIVE POINT NINE FIVE!! That's what the scoreboards read at the sixth annual Shakedown at E-Town after Mel Bush Motorsports Driver Tommy D'Aprile took the "Big Red Boat" down the E-Town 1320. A five second run that many, at the beginning of the season, thought could never happen.

"That's thanks to Mike Janis, Kevin Peters and the entire team over at Jan-Cen Motorsports," said an elated team owner, Mel Bush referring to the 5.955 pass from his driver. Â "I'm so glad to be associated with Mike and the guys. Not just because of the performance, but because they are genuine people and they are extremely dedicated," added Bush.

]]> Driver, Tommy D was equally thrilled with the performance of both the team's '62 Bel Air and the crew from Jan-Cen Motorsports. "Can you believe it? How cool is that? I'm so proud and honored to be part of this great team that Mel and Johanne have put together," said an overjoyed D'Aprile. "This couldn't of happened at a better time for us. With our NHRA debut coming up it's great to know that we have a run like that in our bank," added the latest Five-Second Club Member.

Mel Bush Motorsports will make their Jeg's Pro Mod Series debut at the NHRA Virginia Nationals held this coming weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park in Petersburg, Virginia. Friday's race schedule is set for two qualifying Pro Mod sessions, one at 3:00 PM and another at 5:30 PM. There will be one more qualifying session on Saturday at 1:30 PM with the first round of eliminations at 4:00 PM. Eliminations will conclude on Sunday during the second round of professional eliminations.

D'Aprile's Final Round Appearance Moves Mel Bush Motorsports to Second on IHRA Points Ladder

2008-07-22T15:24:32Z

Grand Bend, ON, CA. -- Team Owner Mel Bush used every aspect of his team to get his driver, Tommy D'Aprile, into the finals at the recently completed Mopar Canadian Nationals in Grand Bend, Ontario, Canada.

"Everyone on this team did their jobs to the highest level. Tommy did one hell of a job behind the wheel and my crew along with the guys from Jan-Cen Motorsports are second to none. I've been around this sport for a lot of years and to see how well these guys work under pressure is amazing," said Bush.

D'Aprile qualified Bush's unique '62 Bel Air in the number two spot with a 6.044 at over 237 miles per hour pairing him with Thomas Patterson. Patterson, from Spring, Texas, qualified his '70 Dodge Charger in the tenth spot with 6.201 elapsed time. D'Aprile took an incredible starting line advantage posting a .006 reaction time. D'Aprile needed every bit of his starting line advantage to take the win as he ran into mechanical troubles 320 feet before the finish line. Patterson posted a slightly quicker elapsed time of 6.232 to D'Aprile's 6.233 but D'Aprile took the hole shot win.

Between rounds the Mel Bush Motorsports' pit was a hive of activity as the team frantically prepared their wounded machine for round two. Kevin Peters, of Jan-Cen Motorsports, explained the situation. "We are having a slight ignition problem. It started at the last race and the travel between races made it next to impossible to properly diagnose. The same thing happened here and I think we now have an idea of the cause. We'll investigate this situation more at the shop but right now it's about getting her ready for next round," said Peters.

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D'Aprile lost lane choice to Hoover by virtue of Hoover's quicker elapsed time in the previous round. Hoover place D'Aprile in the right lane, the "bad lane". D'Aprile showed his prowess on the tree as he took nearly seven hundredths of a second starting line advantage, but it wasn't enough as his machine was tossed toward the centerline and started to fishtail. D'Aprile was forced to lift and hand the race to Hoover.

"This was a great weekend for our team. We faced diversity head on and proved ourselves as a serious contender for this year's title. Mel and Johanne have put together one of, if not the best team in IHRA Pro Mod," said D'Aprile.

Next Up for the Mel bush Motorsports team is the Torco Northern Nationals. The event will begin Friday, Aug. 1 with two pro qualifying sessions. Saturday there will be two professional qualifying sessions as well as the Torco Pro Mod Shootout, with the Night of Fire pro qualifying session starting at 7pm. Final eliminations are slated for Sunday, Aug. 3, beginning at 11am. For more information please visit nitrojam.com or us131motorsportspark.com.

Team Owner Mel "Double O" Bush of Port St. Lucie, Florida qualified his '62 Bel Air fifth in the 32-car field Top Sportsman. Bush laid down a series of .00 reaction times but lost to Bradenton, Florida's Gary Williams

D'Aprile's Semi-Final Finish Moves Mel Bush Motorsports into Top Five With a Track ET Record to Boot

2008-07-08T17:06:06Z

Edmonton, Al, CA. â€“ While plagued by rain the 2008 Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing Series, CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by TORCO Racing Fuels will be a bright spot in now veteran driver, Tommy D'Aprile's career.

On D'Aprile's first qualifying attempt he was able to lay down a 6.235 e.t. at just over 230 miles per hour. That run held D'Aprile throughout a rain shortened qualifying and place him fifth on the eliminations ladder.

With corrected altitudes ranging from 3,500 feet above sea level to just over 5,500 feet it's easy to see why performance would drop off in such thin air but don't tell that to Castrol Raceway's new Pro Mod Track Elapsed Time Record Holder, Tommy D'Aprile. In round one D'Aprile faced off with mentor and former boss, Quain Stott. D'Aprile took nearly a three-hundredths advantage on the tree and powered down the Edmonton quarter mile setting a new track elapsed time record of 6.096. D'Aprile's mile an hour of 233.76 on the same run held as Top Speed of the Meet.

Round two was slowed by rain but D'Aprile showed his 6.09 was no fluke by defeating Jason Stock with a 6.136 at 225.37. The win over Stock was a costly one as a wounded piston forced the Mel Bush Motorsports team into overdrive between rounds rebuilding the Jan-Cen Hemi in just 35 minutes.

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"We had a hectic time before this round," said D'Aprile. Mike (Janis) and his crew came over and along with our guys rebuilt this motor and got us to the line. I think we missed a bit on the clutch, but there aren't many teams who could've even got their cars back together in time and I couldn't be prouder of this team that Mel and Johanne have put together".

With the Top Sportsman class not being contested at the Rocky Mountain Nationals Team Owner Mel Bush entered his orange '62 Bubble Top in Quick 16 action. Qualifying 2nd put Bush up against Edmonton's own Randal Olynyk and his '96 Firebird. Bush took an easy win over Olynyk as Olynyk had troubles at half-track. In second round action Bush squared off with another Alberta native, Aaron Giroux. Giroux qualified his '02 Cavalier in the number 14 spot and defeated Steve Goddard in round one.

With a 6.95 dialed in on his nitrous power plant Bush took a slight starting line advantage, a .036 to a .037, but "Broke Out" running a 6.913 ending his weekend.

Up next for Mel Bush Motorsports will be the MOPAR Canadian Nationals in Grand Bend, Ontario, Canada beginning on July 18th and running through the 20th

Bush and D'Aprile Take Wild Rides En Route To Early Exits From President's Cup Nationals

2008-06-17T19:17:00Z

BUDDS CREEK, Md. â€“ After ending a memorable qualifying session in the top position and claiming his first Last Man Standing bonus of the season, Tommy D'Aprile and the Mel Bush Motorsports team were riding high but that all changed on Sunday.

During Friday night's qualifying session D'Aprile posted a phenomenal 6.042 pass at just over 236 miles per hour. The pass held through the session handing Bush and D'Aprile their first Last Man Standing award. Due to inclement weather Saturday's qualifying was cut short. With no one besting D'Aprile's time in the three prior sessions D'Aprile claimed his first number one qualifier of the 2008 season.
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D'Aprile's jubilation from Friday and Saturday turned to frustration on Sunday. By virtue of the IHRA's eliminations ladder D'Aprile, the number one qualifier, was paired with the number nine qualifier, Chaptico, Maryland's Billy Gibson. Gibson at the wheel of Thomas Patterson's '70 Superbird could only post a best of 6.146 during qualifying. On paper D'Aprile held over a tenth of a second advantage, but drag races are run on concrete and asphalt, not paper.

In what was considered a huge upset Gibson defeated a tire shaking and fishtailing, D'Aprile. "This car has a very small window of performance," said D'Aprile. "Mike (Janis) and his guys' give us a tremendous amount of power, it's just a matter of getting the car to repeat each time. She's very sensitive to any change. The smallest changes in the track or the weather can throw off the whole deal," added D'Aprile.

Team owner Mel Bush of Port St. Lucie, Florida once again launched his '62 Bel Air Top Sportsman entry to the top half of the qualifying field, this time posting a 6.868 elapsed time at just under 203 miles per hour.

In round one Bush squared off with Fredericksburg, Virginia's Ethan Watson. Watson at the wheel of his '04 Viper qualified near the bottom of the qualifying ladder with a 7.108 E.T. For the second time this season Bush red lighted handing his opponent a win, but his ride wasn't over as his nitrous equipped hot rod shook the tires and sent him for a wild ride. Bush, like D'Aprile, used his skill as a diver to get his vehicle under control without any damage.

The Mel Bush Motorsports team will be taking a week off to plan for their next event.