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Mr. Explosive Racing Mr. Explosive Racing Headed to Woodburn
Mark Sanders runs career best ET in Mission and entertains his crowd of 500.
Maple Valley, WA - July 26, 2011 - The Mr. Explosive Racing team had a very busy schedule this past weekend. First a match race for the Goodguys Friday Night Drags at Pacific Raceways. During his first pass the sun was just too blinding and Mark had to abort the run because of compromised vision and coasted to the finish line. To the delight of Mr. E fans during their second pass of the evening, Sanders laid down a 5.85 at 237 mph under the lights. Since Seattle is their home track, the Sanders Clan was entertaining about 500 of their closes family and friends at this one night only event. Of course, "Mr. Explosive" himself was on hand to entertain and signed autographs in his fire suit for 6.5 hours.
"The Force of the North was in full effect! I didn't take my fire suit off the entire night! We had so many friends and family there, it was a great time." said Mark Sanders. After their normal service the car was packed up and they were ready to head to Canada for Mission Raceway's Canadian National Open.
Fast forward to Saturday evening at Mission Raceway, Nitro Funny Car teams had two qualifying passes to make the show on Sunday. On their first attempt Sanders ran a career best 5.81 at 237 mph which would keep them in the #3 spot for the event. During their second qualifier, the car slowed to a 5.84 at 242 mph. On Sunday they would race Mike Savage in first round. Sanders ran a 5.90 at 238 mph, which wasn't enough for Savage's 5.83. Mr. Explosive Racing would like to thank Tim & Nancy Nemeth of TDN Constructors Group Inc. for all their help with the event.
This weekend Mr. Explosive will once again head to a match race at Woodburn Dragstrip on July 30-31st for their Night of Fire event. They will join Twig Zeigler and be making passes under the lights on Saturday evening. The team will stick around on Sunday to make some test passes for the upcoming Nightfire Nationals to be held at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho on Aug 11-14th.
"It was a big weekend, racing on two tracks in three days, but the performance of the car was even bigger. We ran in the 5.80 zone all weekend and we are looking to continue the success this weekend in Woodburn, but also looking for that coveted 5.70 et." says crew chief Jake Sanders.
The Night of Fire at Woodburn Dragstrip will be held July 29-31st, for more information about this event please visit www.woodburndragstrip.com. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar. Paul Grant PhotoMr. Explosive Racing - One Weekend, Two Venues!
Maple Valley WA - July 19, 2011 - Mr. Explosive Racing will be headed to two events this coming weekend. They will be at Pacific Raceways for the Goodguys Friday Night Drags on July 22nd to make some exhibition passes under the lights with Bucky Austin's "Northwest Hitter". Then they will make the short trip up to Mission Raceway Park for the Canadian National Open on July 23 & 24th.
This weekends outings will be the 8th and 9th stop on the teams busy 2011 schedule. The father/son duo are ready to put on a great nitro filled show at both of these night races. "Pacific Raceway is our home track, plus Mission feels like home too! We have tons of family and friends coming to both of these events to watch us light up the night sky!" said an always energetic Mark Sanders.
After getting their groove back at Edmonton, during their last outing running a 5.88 at 241 mph. They hope to keep up their 5 second performances and bring home another win for the season. "After turning a corner at Edmonton and ironing out some kinks, I hope to keep our momentum going into this weekend." says crew chief Jake Sanders.
Mark Sanders and his boisterous personality are always on hand to entertain the fans and sign autographs. So make sure to stop by and say "Hi" and pick up a Mr. Explosive temporary tattoo or even one of his most explosive t-shirts.
The Goodguys Friday Night Drags at Pacific Raceways will be held July 22nd. The gates open at Noon with Nitro at approx. 7 & 9 pm. For a look at the 24th Pacific Northwest Nationals car show, visit
www.pacificnorthwestnats.com or call Goodguys (925) 838-9876.
The Canadian National Open at Mission Raceway Park will be held July 22-24th. For more info visit www.missionraceway.com. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar.
 Paul Grant Photo
Mr. Explosive Ready to Defend Back to Back Salt Lake Nitro Jam Wins
Maple Valley, WA - June 13, 2011 - Mr. Explosive Racing is heading to Utah this weekend to defend their title at the Salt Lake Nitro Jam. Last year Sanders was the very first Prostalgia Funny Car Back to Back Winner. Mark and his team saw the winners circle on both nights of the Nitro Jam event. "The car is ready to go and the team will be looking for a repeat performance in Utah again this season", says 21 year old crew chief Jake Sanders.
The father/son duo are ready to get back to racing after having a little over a month off without any nitro. "We are pumped up and ready to head south to Salt Lake. I can't wait to get out there and put the pedal to the metal!" says Mark Sanders, Mr. Explosive himself.
This trip from the Northwest will be part of a two weekend IHRA Nitro Jam Excursion that will take them south to Utah and then back up north to Edmonton, Canada for the Mopar Rocky Mountain Nitro Jam Nationals, June 24-26. Salt Lake is the 6th stop for the Mr. Explosive Nitro Funny Car team during this 2011 season, which is the half way point of their busy racing schedule.
Mark Sanders and his boisterous personality are always on hand to entertain the fans and sign autographs during the Nitro Jam Fanfests. So make sure to stop by and say "Hi" and pick up a Mr. Explosive temporary tattoo or even one of his most explosive t-shirts.
The Salt Lake Nitro Jam will be held June 17-18 at Rocky Mountain Raceway. For tickets and event information please visit www.nitrojam.com. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar. Mr. Explosive Heads South to Idaho for the 41st Napa Ignitor
Maple Valley, WA - April 26, 2011 - After having a few weeks off from their last 5 race tour across the country, Mr. Explosive is ready to get back to the track. This weekend they will head to Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho for their 6th stop during this 2011 season. The 41st Napa Ignitor Opener is the second NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series race of the year and Mr. Explosive is looking for another win this season.
The father-son duo will hit the road again, but this road trip won't be that far from home. After traveling approximately 12,000 in the last 3 months, an eight hour drive really isn't that distant anymore. "Racing at Firebird in Boise is always a good time. I look forward to visiting with all the fans and racing at the first rate facility the New's have there," said Mark Sanders, driver of Mr. Explosive.
"We are loaded up and ready to hit the track again," says Crew Chief Jake Sanders. "We are all looking forward to getting back out there," he adds.
The Napa Ignitor will be held April 28th - May 1st at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho. Visit www.firebirdonline.com for more information. You can order tickets today by calling the Firebird hotline at 208 938-8986. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar.
Mr. Explosive Heads to the Lone Star State for IHRA Nitro Jam San Antonio
Maple Valley, WA - March 31, 2011 - After a problem plagued trip to Tucson, Mr. Explosive has taken the week to prepare for their journey to Texas. It has only been a few of days, but the car has been gone through, and the team is ready to get it down the track in San Antonio.
"We let the car get the best of us last weekend." said Crew Chief Jake Sanders. "Things were changed and we are headed to San Antonio to find our form again."
This father/son duo has been traveling across the US this season following the Nitro Jam tour along with some NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series events. After San Antonio, they will make the trek all the way back home to Seattle to restock the rig before heading back out again.
They say everything is bigger in Texas, well Mr. Explosive should fit right in. Driver Mark Sanders has become known for his maximum horsepower personality. As a fan favorite, "The Force of the North" is always happy to entertain the fans with his cheerful antics. "The fans get such an experience here at Nitro Jam, I'm just happy I can add too that and give them a Texas sized welcome!" says Mark. "I'm geared up to get back in the car this weekend and get 'er done!"
Nitro Jam returns to San Antonio Raceway this weekend April 1st and 2nd. Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased online at www.nitrojam.com or by calling (520) 762-9700. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar.
 
Mr. Explosive back in Arizona for IHRA Nitro Jam in Tucson
Maple Valley, WA - March 23, 2011 - After winning first round on Saturday afternoon during the 2011 March Meet the team would end up having a bye into the Semi Finals on Sunday. Unfortunately mother nature had other ideas and the team had to pack up and head toward Arizona. The 53rd March Meet was postponed due to weather until this Saturday, April 2nd, and Mr. Explosive will be in Tucson for the IHRA Nitro Jam.
"I was really looking forward to making a run for the Wally at the March Meet. We feel there is some unfinished business we need to take care of back in California, but we are excited to get back to some Nitro Jam racing this weekend!", says Mark Sanders, Mr. Explosive himself.
Mr. Explosive has been racing across the country since the beginning of 2011, this next Nitro Jam in Tucson will be the 4th stop on their 2011 TNT Dynamite Tour. This weekend they are on the hunt for a couple of more Iron Men. The Tucson Nitro Jam will feature some of the heaviest hitters from the East and West, but Mr. Explosive is ready for the challenge. "If you don't get a chance to run the best, then you can't be the best and that is just what we set out to do this season.", says "The Force of the North"
Needless to say the whole team is ready for the Duel in the Desert. "After going over data from the March Meet, I am confident going into this next Nitro Jam." says 21 year old crew chief Jake Sanders. "We had some issues in Baton Rouge, but have nailed down the problem and are ready to get back to business."
The Arizona Nitro Jam roars into Southwestern International Raceway this weekend March 25th and 26th. Tickets start at just $25 and can be purchased online at www.nitrojam.com or by calling (520) 762-9700. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar.
Mr. Explosive Heads to California for 53rd Annual March Meet
Maple Valley, WA - March 17, 2011 - After starting their 2011 season over 2 months ago, Mr. Explosive Racing is ready to head to California for the 3rd stop on their 2011 TNT Dynamite Tour, the 53rd Annual March Meet.
Looking for their first Heritage Series win this weekend Crew Chief Jake Sanders says, " We already have one IHRA win this year, now we are hoping for a Heritage Series win!" Jake has been with the car in Phoenix for the past month getting prepared for this weekends race. A lot of work has gone into the car after some carnage at the last race. All of the kinks have been worked out and the team is back on track and ready to pull in the gates at the famed "Patch" in Bakersfield.
The "Force of the North" will once again be traveling from Seattle to meet his son with the car and continue to California. "I'm fired up to get back in the car. We have a lot of races on the schedule this year and March Meet is one of the premier events!", says driver Mark Sanders.
The 53rd Annual March Meet is set to kick off March 18-20th at Auto Club Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar.
Mr. Explosive Ready For Marti Gras Nitro Jam in Baton Rouge
With the first IHRA race of the season in the books, Sanders heads to Louisiana 2nd in Points.
February 16, 2011 - Maple Valley, WA - The Mr. Explosive Racing Nitro Funny Car team is bound for Baton Rouge this week ready to race. After winning the first night of the Season Opening Nitro Jam and running low e.t. 3 of the 4 sessions in Florida, Sanders and the team are more excited than ever to get back to work.
Mark Sanders heads to Louisiana second in points, in the IHRA Prostalgia Nitro Funny Car Class. "Mr. Explosive" is a relative newcomer to the IHRA scene, but with 3 race IHRA wins Mark is quickly becoming a fan favorite. “We are out here having fun, kicking some butt and making sure we give the fans everything we have. Come root on ‘Mr. Explosive’ this weekend in Baton Rouge.” says Sanders.
The "Force of the North" will once again be traveling from Seattle to compete in this weekends Marti Gras Nitro Jam. "After winning in West Palm Beach a lot of work has gone into the car to try and win for the second time this season.", says Mr. Explosive Crew Chief, Jake Sanders.
The team will be traveling across the country to make a serious run for the 2011 IHRA Nitro Jam Prostalgia Funny Car Championship. Look for the Mr. Explosive 1970 Nova Nitro Funny Car at a IHRA Nitro Jam event near you. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar. The IHRA Nitro Jam is ready to head to Cajun Country for its second race of the season this weekend, February 19-20 at State Capitol Raceway in Baton Rouge, LA. For more information and tickets visit www.nitrojam.com.
Mr. Explosive Brings Home a Victory from Palm Beach
After the long haul to PBIR, Mark Sanders wins first race of the season.
February 4, 2011 - West Palm Beach, FL - After traveling across the country for the first race of the Nitro Jam season the Mr. Explosive Team is coming home with an IHRA Prostalgia victory. Mark Sanders qualified #1 on Friday night with a blistering 5.82 at 244 mph. With the IHRA Chicago style format, they would advance to the final against Paul Romine. Sanders was out of the gate first and never looked back. His 5.87 at 242 mph defeated Romine's 5.941 at 240 mph.
“The ‘Mr. Explosive’ team is back baby,” exclaimed Mark Sanders following his win. “We drove all the way across this great country to be here tonight and to get the win in front of these great fans is what it is all about. We went toe-to-toe with one of the best in the business and we were able to put down a really hot lap and come out of here with the first win of the year."
Day 2 did not go as planned and Mr. Explosive did not make the final with their 6.12 @ 219 mph during qualifying. After a major thrash in the pits to be ready to come back for the consolation round, Mr. Explosive came back and ran low et of the round with a 5.92 @ 244 mph. They didn't win a trophy on Night 2, but they left with low et of 3 out of 4 rounds of racing.
After a long race weekend Mr. E's Crew Chief, Jake Sanders was pleased with what they accomplished. "We came to PBIR to run hard, like we do at every event, but to win the very first race of the season and set low et 3 out of four rounds was a great way to begin the 2011 racing season.", says Jake.
The "Force of the North" is ready to get to the next IHRA Nitro Jam event, make sure you stop by the pits to say "Hi". The Marti Gras Nitro Jam will be held February 19-20 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Be sure to check out www.nitrojam.com for race updates and their new live timing online. Also visit www.mrexplosiveracing.com for race updates throughout the weekend.
Larry Crum Photos
  
Mr. Explosive Heads to Florida in search of another IHRA IronmanThe "Force of the North" travels across the United States to Palm Beach, FL for the IHRA Opener with his sights set on a IHRA Nitro Jam Prostalgia Championship.
January 26, 2011 - West Palm Beach, FL - The father/son duo of Mark and Jake Sanders set out on their journey about a week ago. They have made the trek of 3,828 miles through rain and snow to Palm Beach International Raceway for the IHRA Season Opener. Their trip has been an adventurous one with a stop at the Barrett Jackson Auto Auction in Scottsdale, AZ and the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, as well as some major alligator sightings around the track. After some pre-season testing on Tuesday, these boys are ready for the season to start. "It's a new year and we are going to be running on some new tracks, but I'm looking to keep our winning ways from last year.", says Jake Sanders, Crew Chief of the Mr. Explosive Funny Car. After back to back race wins in Salt Lake City in 2010 this team is looking forward to hoisting a few more Ironmen in the winners circle in 2011. "I'm really excited to get back to some nitro racing, especially in the "Sunshine" state of Florida. I'm ready to get out there and turn on a few win lights.", says driver Mark Sanders. This will be the first of six IHRA Nitro Jam events that Mr. Explosive Racing will be participating in during the 2011 season. They will be traveling across the country to make a serious run for the IHRA Nitro Jam Prostalgia Funny Car Championship. "The 2011 season will be our busiest one yet. We are looking forward to being a part of the Nitro Jam tour in 2011 and visiting a lot of new places. We can’t wait to get the new year underway!" said Mark Sanders. Look for the Mr. Explosive 1970 Nova Nitro Funny Car at a IHRA Nitro Jam event near you. For more information about Mr. Explosive Racing vistit www.mrexplosiveracing.com. Facebook users like us and get updates at www.facebook.com/mrexplosivenitrofunnycar. The IHRA Nitro Jam is gearing up for its season debut the weekend of January 28-29 at Palm Beach International Raceway in West Palm Beach, FL. For more information and tickets visit www.ihra.com. 
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