Elon Werner
John Force and Greg Anderson Welcomed into 1000 Round Win Club
TEMECULA, CA – Prior to the 2025 Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Awards Ceremony at the Pechanga Resort and Casino 16-time Funny 
Car world champion John Force and 6-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson were installed as the first two members of the 1000 Round Win Club. Force and Anderson each received custom embroidered tuxedo jackets as well as framed certificates of membership into arguably the most exclusive achievement club in motorsports.
“The 1000 Round Win Club recognizes the elite of the elite in NHRA drag racing,” said Elon Werner, Werner Communications Founder. “Turning on 1000 win lights is a testament to more than just longevity, it represents dominance, excellence and perseverance. I was present at the top end for each of these drivers to achieve this milestone. I will never forget the emotion and sense of accomplishment John and Greg exhibited.”
The framed certificate of membership highlights the spirit of what it means to be a member of the 1000 Round Win Club. Continue reading
Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull Catches a Wave with Jeff “The Surfer” Diehl
DALLAS – Season 2 of Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull continues tonight with a laid-back yet adrenaline-charged conversation featuring 
longtime Funny Car driver Jeff Diehl, known throughout the drag racing world as “The Surfer.” The episode premieres at 8 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT on the NHRA FAST Channel.
In this episode, host Buddy Hull sits down with Diehl to talk about his one-of-a-kind journey into the world of Funny Car racing. A Southern California native with deep roots in surf culture, Diehl shares how he first became a Funny Car driver, the surprising ways that surfing and drag racing intersect and what keeps him paddling back out, season after season, in one of the most competitive classes in motorsports. His mix of humor, humility and heart makes this an episode fans won’t want to miss.
Buddy Hull (left) and Jeff Diehl talked surfing, racing and being big guys behind the wheel in the latest episode of Talkin Funny Cars with Buddy Hull, photo credit Werner Communications
“Jeff Diehl is one of the most genuine and entertaining guys in the pits,” said Hull. “He’s got this great mix of SoCal cool and Funny Car fire. His perspective on how surfing connects to racing is something fans are really going to love.” Continue reading
FRANKIE TAYLOR TAKES TEXAS INVITATIONAL TITLE IN WILD FINAL
ENNIS, TX – In a final round battle for the ages Frankie “Mad Man” Taylor took the win at the 3rd annual Texas Invitational last night at the 
conclusion of the Stars of Texas Music Festival. Taylor and Pro Mod took the win when James Day, driving the Texas Motorplex Tribute Funny Car, red-lit before making a smooth pass. The win was redemption for Taylor who was the 2024 Texas Invitational runner-up.
“I’m pretty excited and this is pretty cool, right in my home state of Texas,” said Taylor. “The crowds were killer here. This is a Sunday night, the week before the Texas Fall Nationals, and there were close to 15-20,000 people already here. The stands were packed on the left side. They were packed so full you couldn’t hold any more, and across the fence and everything. When I’m in the race car, I feel like I’m a millionaire. I could not be more excited.”
On Saturday night Taylor defeated Michael Irwin in the semifinals while Day outran Keith Jackson. The Saturday night semifinals were contested in front of a full northside grandstand and was followed by Todd Stewart’s Hot Rod Diesel. Continue reading
Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull Returns for Second Season
DALLAS – The award winning Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull television show will return for a second season beginning this 
Wednesday, September 10, at 8 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. PT on the NHRA FAST Channel. Last year the 30-minute conversational-style show hosted by then rookie Funny Car driver Buddy Hull introduced the wildly entertaining personalities of NHRA Funny Car drivers to a broader audience on the NHRA’s FAST channel. The interview style show was recognized as a People’s Telly Gold Winner in the 46th annual Telly Awards earlier this year.
“I can’t wait for people to see season two of Talkin Funny Cars with Buddy Hull,” said show host Buddy Hull. “We sat down with a great group of drivers in Sonoma and filmed the first seven episodes and we will finish up filming in a few weeks. The response we got last year to the show was amazing and we are excited to highlight some really cool and interesting drivers. The season premiere episode has me as the guest so tune in to find out more about me as well as a look back at our first season.”
Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull, the first television offering produced by Werner G+E LLC, debuted on the NHRA FAST Channel Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The interview-style program, hosted by NHRA professional Funny Car driver Buddy Hull was the latest original series added to the NHRA’s 24/7 digital channel which is available on 13 platforms including the Roku Channel (USA & Canada), Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, Sling Freestream and others. Guests in 2024 included Ron Capps, Dan Wilkerson, Cruz Pedregon, Paul Lee, Austin Prock, J.R. Todd, Matt Hagan, Jack Beckman and Funny Car legend Billy Meyer. Continue reading
Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull Wins People’s Telly Award Gold
DALLAS – In its inaugural season Talkin’ Funny Cars with Buddy Hull introduced the wildly entertaining personalities of NHRA Funny Car 
drivers to a broader audience on the NHRA’s FAST channel. The interview style show hosted by Funny Car driver Buddy Hull was recognized today as a People’s Telly Gold Winner in the 46th annual Telly Awards. Since 1979, the NYC based Telly Awards have showcased excellence in video and television and winning this honor is a huge accomplishment for Werner G+E, the production company that produced all the Talkin’ Funny Cars episodes. This year’s winners include Pixar Animation Studios, Hearst Media, ESPN, LinkedIn, NATO, MTV Entertainment Studios, NASA, the LA Clippers (NBA), Sawhorse Productions, Telemundo and more.
“Talkin’ Funny Cars doesn’t exist without Buddy Hull and his larger-than-life personality as well as all our amazing guests,” said Elon Werner, president of Werner G+E, LLC. “Buddy brought out great stories and insights from every guest, Ron Capps, Cruz Pedregon, Dan Wilkerson, Paul Lee, Austin Prock, Matt Hagan, J.R. Todd, Jack Beckman and legendary Funny Car driver Billy Meyer. I also want to thank the NHRA community for supporting the show both by watching it all season and in voting for the People’s Telly as well as everyone at the Telly Awards. We are excited about season two this year.” Continue reading
Joe Castello’s Project Pontiac Opens 2025 with Strong Debut in Orlando
Hollywood, FL – Project Pontiac, a passion race car project led by NHRA announcer and host of WFO Radio Joe Castello, was almost over 
before it even got started. In March of 2023, Castello had a dream of rebuilding a race car campaigned by his father, but his engine block was cracked beyond repair and the prospect of investing in a massive rebuild seemed bleak. This was the car Castello’s father, who was in poor health at the end of last year had raced as Castello was growing up. Castello’s goal was to get the car rehabbed and back on track in NHRA Lucas Oil Series competition, with the intention of showing others that it is possible to resurrect even the direst project cars. Fast forward almost exactly two years to last weekend when Castello drove the Project Pontiac race car to the quarterfinals at the season opening event at Orlando Speed World Dragway and Castello feels like he is in a feel-good Disney movie.
“Last weekend was a dream weekend,” said Castello, who lost his father at the end of last year. “I know my dad was riding with me all weekend. The car performed perfectly right off the trailer. I was blown away and I could not have been happier. I can’t wait to get to the Baby Gators.” Continue reading
SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout Adds Associate Sponsor Boninfante Friction
INDIANAPOLIS – The Professional Racers and Owners Organization (PRO) today announced that Boninfante Friction will join the growing 
list of industry leaders who are sponsoring the SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout, February 6-8, 2025, at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The family-owned business, Boninfante Friction, started in 1988, produces superior quality parts as the world leader in friction clutch manufacturing for the motorsports market. Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock competitors will be using Boninfante clutch discs and components to chase win lights and records during the three-day specialty race.
“Our sport has been built on manufacturers and suppliers like Boninfante Friction,” said Scott Woodruff, PRO Board Member. “When you look at the teams competing at the SCAG PRO Superstar Shootout, you’ll see a Boninfante decal on their race car. That kind of universal support is critical to our growth and having them involved with this event is a perfect match.”
Alex Owens promoted to Vice President of Auto Imagery; Richard Shute to remain President
CARLSBAD, CA – For nearly five decades, Auto Imagery, Inc. has elevated the visibility of NHRA drag racing by capturing its wildly visceral 
nature in stunning images. Frame by frame, the talented Auto Imagery photographers have diligently gathered an archive of drag racing history, and owner Richard Shute has taken steps to ensure that the catalog of more than one million historic images will continue to grow.
Effective January 1, 2025, Alex Owens will assume the role of Vice President for the renowned organization. Owens joined the Auto Imagery team as an apprentice photographer in 2009, and he was an eager student, quickly adapting to the intricacies of capturing 300+ mph racecars and wheelstanding Stock and Super Stock hot rods in all their glory.
Hired as a full-time photographer in 2021, Owens continued to grow, both in terms of his skill with a camera and in working one-on-one with clients. For the past two seasons, he has been the Director of Business Relations, continuing to shoot photos while also dedicating consistent effort toward exceeding client needs and brainstorming and implementing ideas that will carry the business into the next era.
“I remember looking up photos on AutoImagery.com as a kid, and now to be Vice President of the company – this is a full-circle experience for me,” said Owens. “Richard believed in me and saw talent in a 15-year-old kid, talent I didn’t even know I had. I’m honored to keep the Auto Imagery legacy alive and to continue growing the business for years to come.” Continue reading
Old World Industries Announces Investments to the PEAK® BlueDEF® Product Line and New Look for 2025
Category leader elevates its diesel exhaust fluid purity guarantee with new triple-filtration process
LAS VEGAS – Old World Industries announced today that America’s number one brand of diesel exhaust fluid, PEAK® BlueDEF®, has 
further set the standard of purity by investing in a new triple-filtration process. PEAK® BlueDEF® and the premium PEAK® BlueDEF PLATINUM® will also debut new packaging in Q1 2025, highlighting the purity and performance benefits that set its product line apart.
“As even the smallest contaminant can create significant issues for your vehicle, it is critical that your diesel exhaust fluid is of the highest purity. BlueDEF® has always been manufactured to the highest quality and purity standards but this new process offers consumers an extra layer of assurance,” said Randy Turner, director of product management. “Every batch of PEAK® BlueDEF® and PEAK® BlueDEF PLATINUM® is now triple-filtered, lab-tested and secure-sealed to provide ultimate protection from contaminants.”
PEAK® BlueDEF® and PEAK® BlueDEF PLATINUM® are compatible with all diesel SCR systems and the non-flammable formula with easy-pour dispensing nozzle makes handling safe and easy. BlueDEF PLATINUM® contains a proprietary additive package to help prevent deposit build-up, optimize fuel economy and extend the life of the SCR system. Continue reading
Top Rookie Richard Gadson Looking for Strong Finish
INDIANAPOLIS – At the beginning of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series there was a crowded field of rookies in all four 
professional classes. Through 18 of 20 national events Richard Gadson, rider of the Vance & Hines RevZilla Suzuki, has emerged as a solid front-runner through on and off-track performances. So far this season he has raced to three final rounds, is the only rookie with a positive win-loss record (21-13) and has a 62% (.617) overall win percentage on top of an 85% (.846) first round win percentage.
“This season has been a dream season, and I am looking forward to getting that first win in either Las Vegas or Pomona,” said Gadson. “It won’t be easy but that is what I love about this class. The competition has never been tougher and when you get a couple round wins on Sunday, you know you have accomplished something. I can’t thank Andrew (Hines), Eddie (Krawiec), Gaige (Herrera) and everyone behind the scenes at Vance & Hines for putting me in position to win NHRA Rookie of the Year.”
Gadson was tabbed to replace multi-time world champion Krawiec at the end of last season. Throughout this season with Krawiec and Hines calling the tuning shots Gadson has performed more than admirably in a class littered with world champions and high-performance teams. Krawiec has nothing but praise for the team’s first year rider. Continue reading
