Every February since 1961, fans have flocked to Southern California for one of drag racing’s grandest traditions: the unveiling of new cars, drivers, teams, and sponsorships at the season opener, where teams hope to use the season kickoff as a springboard in their pursuit of a spot in the Countdown to the Championship at the fabled Pomona facility known for its outstanding traction, smooth surface, and record performances. This year’s event will feature a special tribute to legendary racer Don “the Snake” Prudhomme.

 

From left to right: Michael Mercadel, David Mercadel, Beka Mercadel, and Greg Hogue

 

Beka getting a walk thru of Ron Weems race car

 

Beka standing with top fuel funny car driver Tim Wilkerson during a rain delay.

 

 

 

 

Walk Now for Autism Speaks Nov. 6, 2010- DFW  

Over 7,000 people joined us for a morning filled with entertainment and great family fun! The Walk itself was a little under one mile - all on sidewalks. The resource fair was a wonderful opportunity for families to meet local service providers that may have services that fit their needs. This year Autism Speaks introduced the Newly Diagnosed Tent for families new to autism. Good information from Therapy 2000 and others that helped begin the journey for many families!

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Beka why do you support autism awareness? 11-6-2010 

 "I support, race & walk for autism awareness because autism has affected my family as it has so many others. We race/walk for a cure because we can't just standby and do nothing as this devastating neurological disorder is altering lives of families forever. Its cause and cure still remain unknown after thousands of kids have been diagnosed. We race/walk for our angels who will struggle with this condition for the rest of their lives. We race/walk because we care...How can we not get involved?" -Beka.

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 BekaRacing.com LAT Racing Oil Team- participated in the

2009 US Nationals FireFighters Challenge October 24, 2009

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  The day was gorgeous and the people were plenty at the 2009 US Nationals FireFighters Combat Challenge.

Along with many other vendors, BekaRacing brought out their race car and the teams simulators for some reaction time competition. Participants won special prizes and stickers donated by the NHRA, LAT Racing Oil and BekaRacing.com! Lots of fun for all!

Beka was also busy discussing and talking with folks about the sport of drag racing and signing autographs for most of the day! 

Beka returns to

No Problem Raceway

for the first time since

Hurricane Katrina

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"My trip to New Orleans was a blast! I was so nervous but excited at the same time as we got closer to my highly missed home track at No Problem Raceway in Bell Rose, Louisiana. When we got there the track looked just as i remembered and all my old friends welcomed my family and I with open arms. After spending time with everyone it was time to get serious for the big race. The heat did not help though, everyone could not believe how hot it was. On Friday, I made it to the semi- finals due to my face shield fogging up so bad to the point where i could not see the christmas tree. Though disappointed, I knew I had to prepare for the next race day. On Saturday my car was very consistent and I went to the quarter finals because of a breakout pass of (7.895 seconds on a 7.90 seconds dial). Though I did not do as well as I wanted, I made plenty of great memories and had a lot of fun with my family and friends."- Beka

"What a great trip it was! It was so good to see old friends and spend time with family!"  -Michael

"I want to thank everyone that came out Saturday and bared the HOT-HOT-HEAT to support our team. What a great time on and off the track!"- Beka 

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TWO future STARS clashed 

in an East Coast vs Gulf Coast Match Race!

It was their first meeting, at the 34th Annual Snap on Tools Night of Thrills on May 30th @ Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, located in Englishtown, NJ.

Amanda Smith  a.k.a. Skittles representing the East Coast, matched race against Beka Mercadel a.k.a. “The Queen of the Gulf Coast", from New Orleans / Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.

They also made 2,500 hero autograph cards and a booth for Beka to sign autographs for the fans!

We did have a few challenges with the 330 car that was built for Beka. So the two teams decided to change the match race into an exhibition race. They borrowed a friends 7.90 car to race against an outlaw 330 car.

Knowing this wasn't a fair heads up race, the two teams still impressed the crowd by making it a good race anyway, and then throwing t-shirts and give-a-ways into the stands.

Also to make things fair to each driver, the first pass in the 330 outlaw car was run by Beka and her crew. The second pass was run by Amanda and her crew.

Leaving this match with one win a piece the two teams will look forward to meeting
again.

 Over all Beka preformed very well. In the black car she ran a 4.372 (330') and in the white car she ran a 4.715 (330')!

Amanda ran a 4.564 in the Black car and a 4.841 in the white car.

The weekend was bigger than winning or losing a race. It was a great opportunely for Beka and Amanda to meet a lot of great people and to visit with some fans!

Special thanks to:

Snap-On Tools, Old Bridge Town Ship Raceway Park, Amanda's Race Team, Greg with D&G Racing, LAT Racing Oil, Digatron and The Days Hotel for making this a awesome weekend of racing and fan fair!  

See a few of the pictures below from the event!

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Another Semi-Final appearance for Team Mercadel!

4-4-2009

Congratulations to Erin Scott for a double final round appearance! Winning one!

"Beka- Highlight of the day!"

Beka seeking her first event win of 2009, faced off against Heather Hambelton in the second round of racing. Heather is 3-0 against Beka this season and looking to continue her streak. Beka on the other is looking to end her losing streak, and finally get around Heather and her Hurricane Racing Team.

Both cars dialed-in a 7.91. This will be a heads up drag race! Teams shake heads, engines come alive and both cars complete there burn-outs and stage. The lights come down and both cars launch off the starting line almost dead even! Heather with the slight advantage .050 to Beka's .052 reaction time. Side by side theses two battle it out all the way down the track! Beka pulling along side of heather by the 330' mark both cars clocked a (5.049 @ the 330') by the end it was ......

Beka running DEAD on with a ZERO (7.910) to take the win and end the losing streak to Heather and her Hurricane Racing Team! Heather ran a very good (7.918)!  Both girl's in great show of sportsmanship shack hands and hug at the top end of the drag strip!

"I can't recall a closer and better race in a long time, we were side by side the whole race!"- Beka

"WOW! What a race! We had to run dead on with a zero to beat'em! Hurricane Racing is still the hottest team this year! They have a great team and a awesome driver over there! Hurricane Racing still the team to beat!"-Michael

The second round victory was short lived when Beka and her team lost in the semi's, running another dead on the dial run (7.909 on a 7.90), but got bit on the tree  .026 to Beka's .090....

"Going rounds is what we need to do. Looks like the car is back on track and I know Beka will beat her self up all week because of the hole shot loss. I think she will be on the practice tree a little more than she has been this week. Beka will be fine!"- Michael 

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2009 World Autism Awareness Day!

Families for Effective Autism Treatment – North Texas and Mercadel Motorsports/Beka Racing, kicks off April Autism Awareness Month!

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On April 2, 2009 for World Autism Awareness Day, Families for Effective Autism Treatment – North Texas (FEAT-NT)  partnered with Mercadel Motorsports/Beka Racing to raise Autism awareness and kick off FEAT-NT’s “Apples for Autism April Awareness Campaign” at McAlister’s Deli at 9143 Boulevard 26 in North Richland Hills, Texas. 

FEAT-NT was available between 11:00am and 7:00pm to talk to individuals about Autism, Early Detection, and programs available in the community.  Beka Mercadel was on site to sign autographs and take photos with her one of a kind Autism Awareness race car.

 FEAT-NT is a 13 year old organization that provides Education, Advocacy and Support to families and professionals affected by Autism throughout North Texas.  FEAT-NT provides parent mentoring, an autism library with over 400 resources, educational workshops, support group meetings and Family Fun Days at the FEAT-NT Resource Center and Library in North Richland Hills.

See more photo's in the "Photo Gallery" tab...

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Beka is excited to be working with Thomas "Bubby" Hixson owner and driver of the "One Wild Ride" B-fuel front engine dragster! These nostalgia style heads up dragsters bring back the feeling of the good old days of the wonderful world of drag racing! Reaching speeds of 180 mph in just 7 seconds Beka looks to learn from some of the best in the business!

 http://www.southwestjrfuelers.com/

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 It was another perfect weather day November 5, 2009 at the DFW airport! Employees and their families came from around the system for this once a year event. A multitude of vendors, food, and fun were present at the 2009 Spirit of DFW day!

Beka did a day of community service as she promoted; (FEAT-NT) "Families For Effective Autism Treatment" accompanied by their treasurer- Gretchen Purnell and David Mercadel- a financial planner with Primerica.

The team simulators rolled out for some reaction time competition. Participants won special prizes and stickers donated by the NHRA, LAT Racing Oil and BekaRacing.com! Lots of fun had by all!

Beka also signed over 600 autographs and entertained crowds of people as she climbed into her BekaRacing.com LAT Racing Oil/ Autism Awareness race car once a hour and fired it up!