AAFD and ARHRA Step up in 2003

Recently the front engine dragster situation has changed with the Goodguys and Pro Nitro attempting to change the rules on powerplants to include the 426 late model Hemi in the Top Fuel wars. This idea was not accepted by the majority of the Top Fuel teams. Some front engine Top Fuel teams are trying to get a voice about the future of Nostalgia Drag Racing. The 28 teams that have put this together are deeply concerned with the cost of racing and safety too. AAFD are trying to add a few extra local races and get some major sponsorships going. Can the racers form their own group successfully? Only time will tell. (Remember PRO?) The intentions are good, though.

AAFD

All of this information came from correspondent Pete Jensen (who is not only heavily involved with AAFD but part owner of the famed Foothill Flyer T/F car). Jensen was on the very first committee organizing the front engine fuel dragster rules, along with Frank Fedak (ANRA), Art Chrisman, Jon Barrett (Oklahoma T/F), Sam Chastain, and Steve Gibbs (NHRA VP).

Jensen said, "Basically, it was time for us (the front motor classic dragster teams) to have some voice in what's going on in racing. I truly feel that we already put on the best damned show in drag racing today. With our cars you've got Mopar versus Chevrolet on a regular basis. You've got Bach & Gould from the Midwest with their OHC Ford which is competitive, and these cars are all capable of winning each and every racing event."

"We have formed the AAFD to put on even better shows and, hopefully, we can get some major sponsorships going to," he added.

Their basic plan for 2003 is to run seven events along with existing events. Four events will be located at Sacramento Raceway, which already has a good track record for crowds due to Dave Smith's WCTA series last year. Also they will run at Boise's "Night of Fire" race, plus the Division 6 race held at Boise, and the Division 7 race at Sacramento. Jensen also wants to run some of the front engine fuel cars at some of the Import races, perhaps at both Sacramento and Boise as both tracks have shown interest. It could be interesting to watch a turbo VW dragster against FED or maybe the Honda Acura FC that I've only seen photos of. Plan are to have a couple of AAFD events on their own too, TBA.

On the subject of the 426 Hemi that both Goodguys and Pro Nitro wanted to incorporate into classic Top Fuel, but none of the 28 teams involved in AAFD will switch to the late model engine. The cost factor just isn't worth it. I personally witnessed the Frantic Fueler run with a late model engine plus a larger tire, and it still only ran a 6.21 best. Scott Anderson knows how to make some major HP, so maybe the guys are right. According to Pete Jensen, there are just too many other problems with running the late model engine with the set-ups that are allowed in this form of running. Thus NO late model cars for 2003, sorry. But how about those Alan Johnson heads that Jack Harris cranked out a fantastic 5.74, 254 mph? Will they be legal?

After this historic meeting was completed and complete Board of Directors was elected. President: Mike Fuller (Fuller & Dunlap) along with Rich Howell, Jim Murphy, Brandan Murry (the newest 5-second member), John Erlich (Ground Zero T/F), Denver Schutz (Cullen, Emery, Hunt and Schutz), along with Jeff Shamrock, Paul Vanowen, Pete Jensen, and Bobby McClennan make up the 2003 Board. Special laison between track personnel and other sanctioning groups are Dave Smith (Sacramento Raceway/Nitro Fever T'F), Dave Uyehara (chassis builder) and Rich Howell (2002 Pro Nitro T/F Champion) Drivers committee are Lee Jennings (Hansen & Jennings T/F), Fred Farndon, Butch Blair (Fugowie), and Jack Harris (the Sheriff). Group attorney is Chuck Tanko who returned to racing last year in his new Top Fuel car after being out of the sport for like twenty-five years! Welcome back to Chuck who formerly ran with Jim "Spueman" Nicoll.

Special Sponsor committee is formed of Brendan Murry, Dave Smith, Jim Murphy (OSH/WW2 racing) and Pete Jensen. Plans are for a full on organization with a PR department, which will produce their own web-site, including bios on all the teams competing. Pre-race photos and words will be available before each Top Fuel show. Next will be the announcement will a full fime PR person, to be named later.

Anyone who has some thoughts or especially some sponsorships of drag racing finest front motor cars on nitro, please contact AAFD/ Pete Jensen, PO Box 1648, Suddercreek, California, 95685, (209) 267-1288... These guys are for real! Stay tuned to this column for more info on this new organization.

At least two new teams are coming together right now. First is Brian Van Dyke's brand new Top Fuel effort with Bob Barry, Brian Van Dyke, and Jeff Diehl, and its a Trick Design Chassis by Bob Barry with Jeff "Surfer" Diehl at the controls. Jeff and Brian were exceptionally talented along with tuner Spike Gorr with their A/Fuel car. The all new Uyehara piece should see the asphalt soon! Next is Rich Rogers who purchased Professor Ginz complete operation, as the Prof. is moving on to modern rear engine cars.

ARHRA

Enter ARHRA the Phoenix-based brand new Nostalgia Assn that is planning on running a series of four to six full on events in 2003. Its creator Gary Sprinzl is your basic former drag racer who has never forgotten about his favorite pastime. The seven person crew including Don Nance who is the Ex VP and the announcer too, plus Rick Stine the ARHRA's tech Director, Pat Conroy will in addition to volunteers and the SpeedWorld crew will puy on the very first event ever on Jan 7.8. 9, 2003. Featured are Top Fuel, Fuel Altered, Nostalgia Funny Car, 3 types of Pro Mods, A/fuel, Jr Fuel and a huge bracket show along with a big vintage car show too. Mr. Sprinzl has set up over 500 radio spots in the Phoenix area, featuring "(Be There" . Steve Evans and Bill Doner, or US30 type of advertising)! Gary's background comes from when he ran an E/SA 1967 Chevelle back at old AHRA Beeline Drag Strip. The four time record holder has been involved in this project for the past two years, and has done his homework. The group was seen at the CHRR this year wearing black and yellow outfits. AAFX, AFX, and BFX will also be featured for all the doorslammer lovers. At these awesome shows. Pepsi Cola has stepped up to sponsor the first event, while the brand new Tuscany Hotel & Casino will step up for the next event to be held in April of 2003, this date is not set at presstime we will you an update. Plans also include events at Rocky Mt Raceway (Salt Lake City), Medford, Oregon, another Las Vegas event and maybe St Louis too! How about Banning too? If you need some more info on the ARHRA, please check into their web-site at www.ARHRA.com or e-mail garysprinzl@prodigy.net. All the pay out info and class breakdowns is there already.

FUNNY CAR UPDATE

Funny Car Fever.Heard from Randy Walls whom surprised everyone by being at the CHRR this year with his Super Nova. He completed his license and is now ready for booking after a huge lay off from racing. Godfrey and Close are putting their finishing touches to their "Flamed Fortune" Corvette, with the famed Bob Thompson putting the finishing touches to this beauty it should be a show stopper. Flying Phil R Elliott is still putting his "Flyin Phil Nova" together slowly but it is coming along fine. Will probably debut at Boise's Niter fire event after the extremely talented writer/editor gets his licensing process complete? Jeff Gaynor's Cuda is just about together, as the famed Mike Demarest is putting the finishing touches to his powerplant. Lil Nate, who had some second thoughts about continuing on Nitro ahs some renewed life as the Vintage FC class, has really picked up. Steve Bell from www.funnycarreunion.com says that their racer is an already scheduled and I personally want to thank Steve and Berserko Bob for putting this great event together. I know that Dangerous Dan Horan has a Mustang FC too, but haven't heard any news on it as of this writing.

Got any new car updates, please let us know at either tmarshall29@hotmail.com or in house at marshall@racingnetsource.com. Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving with his or her families and friends. Please enjoy your Christmas and have a safe New Year! See ya in 2003, it's really beginning to look like a full season for the front engine cars.

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