The Agent hears that Eric Lotz, Director of Field Marketing & Contingency Programs, and chief starter Mike Gittings have been let go by the NHRA.

Lotz was named Director of Field Marketing & Contingency Programs in 2001 and had worked in various marketing capacities at NHRA since 1993.

Gittings was named Chief Starter in 2016, only the fourth man in NHRA history to hold the title. The legendary Buster Couch (1955-96) was followed by Rick Stewart (1996-2011) and Mark Lyle (2012-16). Gittings was formerly chief starter in the NHRA’s Northwest Division and a certified member of the Safety Safari.

This comes on the departure last year of longtime NHRA and National Dragster photographer Teresa Long.

The Agent must say, Hmmm. [01/22/19]

Kenny Bernstein won his first Funny Car event at the 1984 Gatornationals where he ran 260.11 mph.  (Steve Gruenwald photo)

Part 3 (1981-85) of Steve Gruenwald’s look back at 50 years of the Gatornationals is now available here. [01/22/19]

Great Lakes Dragaway has signed a multi-year sanctioning agreement with the IHRA.

The track, famously located near Union Grove, Wisconsin, opened in 1955 and for many years was run by legendary promoter “Broadway Bob” Metzler. Current owners are Randy Henning and Marcel Kuper, who has worked to make the facility up to date without losing the feel of the historic grounds.

The track participates in the IHRA Summit SuperSeries program including 2018 track champions Chris Burden (Top), Alex Olessenski (Mod) and Kyla Feit, who went on to take the Junior Dragster World Championship in October.  [01/22/19]

The folks at Sacramento Raceway are looking for nitro-powered cars to make exhibition runs at three of their special events this year:

April 6: Funny Car Fever – nitro Funny Cars only

June 8: Nitro Nite of Fire -- Funny Cars, altereds and dragsters

Sept. 21: Governor’s Cup Championships – Funny Cars, altered and dragsters

The nitro vehicles will run to 1,000 feet and will receive $750 for each of two passes. For more information contact Jennifer at sacracewayjennifer@comcast.net.   [01/22/19]

Jet car driver Elaine Larsen will receive the Spirit of the Community Award on Jan. 25 during the Blazing Trails event Friday morning at Palm Beach International Raceway. That evening and again on Saturday she will be at the wheel of a jet-powered dragster during PBIR’s Festival of Fire.

Larsen and her husband, Chris, are owners of Larsen Motor Sports and began the non-profit Blazing Trail program. Ms. Larsen also promotes and helps women in engineering, aviation, motorsports, education, economics, and life lessons. She is an ambassador for STEM and a keynote speaker for WeVenture Women Entrepreneurs, Space Coast Women, Women in Aviation, All About You, and other women’s organizations and events.  [01/22/19]

There may not be anything happening with the Federal government these days, but the West Virginia state senators are still serving their constituents. They have introduced a bill (S.B. 325) to create the West Virginia Motorsports Committee to aid in the development of racing events and facilities throughout the state.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) has a page where you can contact West Virginia lawmakers or share the this information with others at here.   [01/22/19]