Nostalgic race cars hit LVMS dragstrip

The NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series was created to showcase drag racing history by spotlighting updated versions of nostalgic race cars that are usually driven by second-generation racers.

But Dick Krieger is more than 30 years older than his 1973 Funny Car chassis, which sits under a replica 1923 Model T roadster body.

"Yeah, they call me the old guy," said Krieger, 70, who will race this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Krieger, a real estate agent, moved to Las Vegas in 1991 from Southern California, where he began drag racing in the early 1970s.

He won the Heritage title last year in the Nostalgia Eliminator 2 division for cars completing a quarter mile in 8.60 to 9.60 seconds at about 160 mph. He ranks fifth this season.

Krieger also competes regularly in the Pacific Street Car Association on the West Coast and leads his division in that series.

"I like both series because you get some attention and a national presence for what you achieve," he said.

Another reason he looks forward to this weekend is that 20 Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars are entered for the three-day event. The reborn Funny Cars reach speeds of about 250 mph, and many resemble legendary cars such as Blue Max, L.A. Hooker and Teacher's Pet.

The race is part of the Rockabilly Rod Reunion, which includes a variety of racing, a car show and concerts. Visit RockabillyRodReunion.com for more information.

■ BUSY KWASNIEWSKI -- Dylan Kwasniewski had a busy week. After placing 10th Saturday in the NASCAR K&N West Series at Iowa Speedway, the 15-year-old was flown to Charlotte, N.C., by NASCAR for the "NASCAR Stars of Today and Tomorrow" program.

He participated in an autograph session at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, conducted national media interviews and competed in a celebrity go-kart race.

Kwasniewski, who turns 16 on Tuesday, will compete in Super Late Model twin features Saturday night at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Bullring.

■ SCHMIDT'S SECOND POLE -- Sam Schmidt Motorsports will have two drivers start on the pole Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Firestone Indy Lights rookie Bryan Clauson earned the top spot when rain wiped out qualifying Thursday and the starting lineup was set by car owner points.

Clauson, who tested at LVMS last month, will start first in the Firestone Freedom 100, which takes place before the Indianapolis 500. Schmidt driver Alex Tagliani will start from the pole position in the 500.

Contact reporter Jeff Wolf at jwolf@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0247.