Jimmy DeFrank Wins His 5th NHRA Lucas Oil Super Stock Title

Earlier this month, California Car Cover' Chief Operations Officer, Jimmy DeFrank, was recognized for his accomplishments outside of the office. Jimmy has been competing in NHRA Sportsman drag racing for over twenty seasons. This past year he won his 5th national title in NHRA Super Stock competition. Everyone at California Car Cover is proud of what Jimmy has done.

Jimmy gave a speech in front of the other NHRA Lucas Oil winners, their families and racing sponsors. "We really could not go racing without the support of our sponsors, like K&N Air Filters, Red Line Oil," said Jimmy. "Competing for national championships means a lot of time on the road for the team and me, so everyone's support at California Car Cover really helps."

Jimmy shared the stage with all of the other winner's of NHRA Lucas Oil Racing Series national champions. Jimmy joins a small group of drivers that have won five or more national titles.

Jimmy at the "Walk of Fame" for drivers at the Dolby Theatre.

Congratulations to Jimmy and the entire Jim DeFrank and Sons Racing team for what they accomplished in 2016. It was a great season. We will have to wait until February to see what next season has in store. "We haven't set a game plan for next season yet. Our company is pretty busy during the holiday season, so I'm sure we will sit down after the first of the year to see what events we will attend in 2017", said Jimmy.

Jimmy DeFrank Doubles Up at the NHRA Event in Las Vegas

The winner's circle after the event

Last weekend was a busy one for the California Car Cover Crew. While we had sales team in Portland, Oregon and Del Mar, Ca for classic car events, our own Jimmy DeFrank was competing at the NHRA Summit Nationals in Las Vegas, NV. Jimmy, who is our Chief Operations Officer, competes throughout the year on the NHRA circuit. He is a four time national champion in the NHRA Super Stock category and pulled off an amazing feat over the weekend.

At most events, Jimmy competes in two categories: Stock and Super Stock Eliminator. In Stock he drives a 1969 Chevy Camaro and in Super Stock he races a 2010 Chevy Cobalt. Over the weekend, he was able to win the final rounds in both cars. Only 14 drivers have even accomplished this feat and this is the second time that Jimmy has pulled it off in his career.

In the final round of Stock Eliminator, Jimmy faced Brad Burton a former NHRA national champion. Jimmy won a close race in his 1969 Chevy Camaro.

Super Stock Final Round

In Super Stock Eliminator, Jimmy also have to race past NHRA national champions in order to advance to the final round. In the final round, Jimmy won another tight race to claim his second trophy of the day. 

Photo: Auto Imagery

Congratulations, to Jimmy DeFrank on winning two "Wallys" over the weekend in Las Vegas. It is not Jimmy's personality to boast or talk about his on track success, so we will do it for him this time.

Photo Credits: Auto Imagery

NHRA Lucas Oil Series Divisional Banquet 2012

 This past Saturday the Jim DeFrank & Sons Racing team was in Las Vegas for the annual Lucas Oil Division 7 Awards Banquet. California Car Cover's own Jimmy DeFrank received his trophy for winning the Super Stock divisional championship for the 10th time.

The awards banquet was held at the Sam's Town Casino.

Lucas Oil is the title sponsor of the NHRA Sportsman Series.

 Jimmy won the Super Stock national title for the fourth time this season, but also captured his 10th NHRA Lucas Oil Division Championship.

The trophies to be presented at the banquet.

The festive decor at Sam's Town.

NHRA Division trophy "Wally"

 Many of the winners at this year's banquet were repeat champions from last season.

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Jimmy DeFrank giving his speech

 "It was a great year for Jim DeFrank & Sons Racing and California Car Cover," said Jimmy DeFrank. "We had a tough year and had to win some races down the stretch to clinch the title. I am fortunate to have such a great company and team behind me."

The 2012 Lucas Oil Division 7 Class Champions

Auto Club Finals and the NHRA Lucas Oil Banquet

Last Saturday morning I went out to Pomona to hang out with the Jim DeFrank & Sons Racing crew at the Auto Club Finals. It has been a few season since I quit racing on the Lucas Oil circuit and it was a nice opportunity to catch up with some old friends and support my brother. I spend most of my weekends at classic car shows, but I was glad to have a Saturday off to hang out with the guys.

Jimmy was scheduled for a potentially busy morning at the race track. He was competing in both of his cars at the Auto Club Finals. Stock Eliminator and Super Stock Eliminator were scheduled for three rounds of eliminations each on Saturday morning. Jimmy unfortunately lost in his first round of the morning in his 1969 Chevy Camaro.

 Jimmy had a bit more success in his Chevy Cobalt on Saturday. He was able to get through all three rounds of eliminations on Saturday. Last weekend, Jimmy clinched his 4th NHRA Lucas Oil Super Stock Eliminator National Championship. Him and the team had another great season and definitely did not need my help on any in between rounds maintenance. I just stood out of the way and took photos and video.

At the back of the staging lanes.

Before pulling out on to the quarter mile.

The Jim DeFrank & Sons Racing Camp

Maintenance in between rounds

 The Chevy Cobalt runs the quarter mile in the mid 8 second range, so there is plenty of maintenance and work in between passes down the track. On Sunday, Jimmy was able to drive to a runner up finish.

burnout box

 There was a big crowd at the track on Saturday. It was the season finale for NHRA so the fans came out to root for their favorite drivers.

One of the latest products available at California Car Cover are the Jimmy DeFrank "Car Cover Kid" racing decals. Jimmy is a good sport about all the jokes I play on him, but these decals might be a limited edition if he has anything to say about it.

The following Monday it was off to Hollywood, Ca for the annual NHRA Lucas Oil Banquet. Since Jimmy was the national champion in Super Stock, our friends and family had to pick out tuxedos and head over to the banquet. But before the banquet started, Jimmy and I had a chance for some fun photos out on Hollywood Blvd...

Hooray!

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Jimmy and a Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator

The banquet was held at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was a great evening for all of this year's Lucas Oil champions. We had a great time in support of not just Jimmy, but the whole Lucas Oil Series. Congratulations to all of this year's winners on behalf of California Car Cover.

Jimmy was able to win his 4th NHRA National title this year and everyone at California Car Cover is proud of his accomplishment. Though I think he owes everyone at the office lunch next week for the time he missed from work the past few weeks while chasing the title, but that's just me...

The 2012 NHRA Lucas Oil National Champions

Jimmy with our parents and me.

Say Cheese!

 Quite a few of our friends have mustaches or are growing them for Movember. I was happy to get a pic of all of us.

 After the Lucas Oil Banquet, it was off to the NHRA Fuel Throttle banquet. We had a great dinner at the Dolby Theatre and were able to interact with all of our friends on the pro series teams. Congratulations to all of our friends who won Fuel Throttle championships this season.

All of the friends of California Car Cover that came out to the banquet in support of Jimmy & the racing team.

Check back later in the week or visit our You Tube channel for video from the weekend as well.