The NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series did a make-up race with A/Fuel, Jr Fuel, and 7.0 Pro classes at Phoenix’s Firebird Raceway. The event was postponed from earlier this year. Although the turnout was light (the California Hot Rod Reunion is just two weeks away) some Group 1 racers came away with a Wally.

Drew Austin ran a 6.61 at 224.02 mph to defeat Kin Bates’ troubled 10.70/79.73 for the A/Fuel win.

In Jr. Fuel, Brad Woodard’s (far lane) 6.978/188.65 took the win over Don Enriquez 10.04/101.60.

Steve Faller (far lane) was the 7.0 Pro winner when opponent Lawton Ferreia Jr. turned on the red light.  (Bob Johnson photos)  [10/18/19]

The 2020 inductees into the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame have been announced this week by “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and the Hall of Fame selection committee.

Texas Funny Car driver and racetrack developer Billy Meyer will share the podium at the March induction ceremonies in Gainesville, FL, with fellow legends Lee Beard, Roy Hill, Larry Minor and Don Enriquez.  [10/18/19]

The British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala, to be held on Nov. 23 at the Oatlands Park Hotel, Weybridge, Surrey, will again be preceded by the popular Bench Racing session, starting at 12:30 p.m. lasting for two hours. In the four previous years, a varied panel of US and European legends entertained a packed audience with their stories and views on the sport in the afternoon prior to the main Gala dinner and presentations in the evening.

This year’s US panel members are: Steve Gibbs, who as Vice President, Competition, with the NHRA organized the Safety Safari and over 400 NHRA National Events; Doug Herbert, four-time IHRA Top Fuel Dragster champion and 10-time NHRA event winner; Ron Hope, owner and driver of the Rat Trap Fuel Altered which has raced around the world; ‘Waterbed’ Fred Miller, one of the most respected tuners in drag racing who was a key member of Raymond Beadle’s ‘Blue Max’ Funny Car team; Dan Richins, who in 1973 was the eighth Top Fuel Dragster racer to join the prestigious Cragar 5-Second Club; and Bill Simpson, founder of Simpson Performance Products and of Impact! Racing, who introduced many innovative products such as the modern fire suit, driver restraint systems and helmets, and the drag racing parachute.

No pre-booking for the Bench Racing session is necessary and attendance is not restricted to those coming to the Gala Awards Dinner. The 2018 Gala Awards Dinner is almost sold out, but you can make a reservation by email at stuart@britishdragracinghof.co.uk.  [10/18/19]

Effective immediately, Hearst Magazines has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Crain Communications to take over the business and editorial operations of Autoweek as a “digital and experiential brand,” meaning its twice-monthly print magazine is being shuttered after 61 years.

A quick look at the magazine rack of the Agent’s local bookstore (yes, they still have those!) shows fewer and fewer automotive titles.  [10/18/19]