"Happy New Year"

At least isn't that what you usually say? I know I do but that's because for the past five years I haven't made a whole bunch of money, Money is the "root of all evil" but we have to have some. You can't run your racecar if you don't have any funds. Up steps ARHRA, with a brand new program, and they are offering a good purse, like $5,000 to win in Fuel categories. Only how many racers will take a chance on a new group after the Chapman rip-off. Gary Sprinzl is NOT Bill Chapman. Sprinzl has got some great ideas and he loves this sport so, please, let's support him and the ARHRA.

Outlaw Nitro Alliance?

I just got a nice brochure from John Dearmore who organized the Outlaw Nitro Alliance, and John himself has returned to Top Fuel racing after a long absence. The feared team out of Wichita, Kansas known as Gingrass and Dearmore was a fine team that won their share of races. John has teamed up with veteran Pic Maudlin and they only have 80 years experience. Driver is David Pace, a 30-year veteran himself. New car, new combination. We'll see.

In this Texas Fuel organization teams hail from New Mexico, Utah, Wisconsin, Illinois, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Iowa, and, of course, Texas. Sixteen teams are presently ready to go, and unlike the West Coast guys, Outlaw Nitro Alliance allows the 426 late model, Arias, and it's "run what you brung." Headlining the ONA is the team of Bach and Gould, out of Belleville Ill still running SOHC Ford power! Next Dan Russell and his family Top Fuel car, out of Kellogg, Iowa, and this full bodied Chevy-powered dragster has a crew of Joanie Russell, Josh Russell, Nick Russell, and a couple of friends, Joe Caldwell and David Jones. The Nightmare team will be very competitive.

One of the true stars of the circuit is the fabulous Orange Crate of Dale Suhr and Roger Lechtenburg. It is always a threat wherever this Donovan Hemi competes, as it was one of the very first 5-second FED's. Frank and Ruthi Hedge (formerly N Hollywood Ca) now live in New Mexico, so they will compete on the circuit with the Mastercam car. Tim Gibson is the regular driver, but you never know what the schedule is, so don't be surprised to see young Sean Bellimuir at the wheel too. Troy Green from Oklahoma is another rising star in Nostalgia Top Fuel. The budget Oklahoma team runs with the best! For 2003 Troy has added a partner in his quest.

Joe Hendricks is a 60-year-old racer who fielded two cars once. This year the team will field one with Joe at the controls, Dan McKennedy turning the wrenches on the Donovan. Jon Barretts Texas-based machine has plenty of horsepower, switching to 426 Hemi for 2003. Al Schramm and his Dad will field a brand new team; powered by a 392 Chrysler. Jimi Young and his team are ready for 2003 too.

Jack Harris, who seems to run just about everywhere, joins the ONA for 2003, and this Keysville, Utah team already has times of 5.74, 254 mph with the new Alan Johnson heads on the Nitrothunder team! The Sheriff has won just about every FED race in history! Ryan Reirson will attempt to compete with a lightweight small block Chevy on Nitro. This combo worked quite well for Champion Speed Shop, so why not? Jim Orban will field an all-new car for 2003 so this veteran hopes to be a contender.

Bob Steffans (Name sound familiar? Well, he has raced cars for over 30 years) is back with a Donovan- powered machine. Joe Kurpinski in a brand new car for 2003. And last but least is Randy Lauren and his Hemi Chevy Arias nitro-powered machine. I don't believe that an Arias has competed in the nitro wars for over twenty years. Then there are Kelly Brown and Bill Schutz with Over the Hill Gang car. According to John Dearmore there is about another half dozen cars being built too!

You can reach the Outlaw Nitro Alliance at www.outlawnitroalliance.com or 1620 North FM 17, Ala, Texas 75410, (903) 765-4345.

PRO NITRO ADDS. . .IMPORTS?

We see a problem with Pro Nitro's new race set-up. I really like Jerry Hutchroft, his wife Donna, and love Ron Lahr like a brother, but come on guys, Imports with nostalgia cars?! You heard me right. Jerry has added Imports to his shows! It will get a few more cars, but Import racing is NOT NOSTAGLIA racing! Those guys could care less about nostalgia cars. Same with nostalgia guys opinions about the "rice rockets." If anything Jerry you will probably start a fight or two.

Run the PSCA cars, add Funny Cars, but don't do this, Pro Nitro, it's like taking a bunch of Country Western people to a Rap concert. That's just my opinion. What do you the reader think? Should Goodguys and ARHRA add Imports? It just won't work sorry. Funny Cars, or PSCA Street cars do! We wish Pro Nitro all the success in the world but I just can't see it with adding the Import scene to Nostalgia.

We will give you blow by blow race coverage of the ARHRA Winter Nationals at Speedworld, located in Wickenburg, just outside of Phoenix. Looks like all the action is in Arizona this month. Check out Charlie Allen's annual Warm up at Firebird Raceway, which should be great because the track is compared to Pomona. Following weekend is Tucson's PRO warm up, and that should wake up a few coyotes too! Last warm up is at Las Vegas, so if you have a Nostalgia vehicle and need a license, pick your favorite track.

See you at the track, Happy New Year and a wonderful 2003! More on the 426 controversy next month. Should it be legal? It was born in 1964, so why not?

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