uBUY eBAY?

Hartman Motorsports will auction off pieces of the 2001 FRAM Top Fuel dragster, the team's back-up car driven by John "Bodie" Smith, formerly involved in a high-speed crash at the Brainerd International Raceway in 2001. Over 33 pieces of the car, including the roll cage, parts of the chassis, side pods and body panels will be available for sale to the highest bidder. The auction will begin January 15 at 7:00 AM (PST) and will last for seven days.

Race fans wishing to participate should to log onto www.ebay.com. Click on the icon titled, "browse for an item" and type in "sports." Scroll down to the "race shop" category and click on the sub-heading titled "Racing-NHRA."

Smith recently underwent his fourth surgery to enhance mobility and comfort in his left leg that was lost during the accident involving Gary Scelzi two years ago. He is currently taking physical therapy to prepare for pre-season testing and the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series tour. [1-15-2004]

AUTO CLUB RE-UPS; DENSHAM RETURNS ONE MORE YEAR

John Force has signed a long-term agreement with the Automobile Club of Southern California that will put veteran Gary Densham (photo) back in the cockpit of one of the John Force Racing Ford Mustangs for a fourth season.

Although Densham will be re-united with crew chief Jimmy Prock for one more year, the terms of the contract extend Auto Club's association with JFR through the 2007 NHRA POWERade season.

Densham, who was to have left JFR at the end of the 2003 season to field a car of his own, returns in large part to provide continuity in the wake of Tony Pedregon's unexpected departure from the team after eight seasons at the wheel of the Castrol SYNTEC Ford. Although he'll drive the entire 23-race series for JFR and the Auto Club, Densham acknowledged that throughout the year he actively will be seeking the sponsorship necessary to field his own car in 2005.

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"John and I have been friends for nearly 30 years," Densham said, "but he has long term goals for his team and I have some of my own.

"I believe I have a few good years left as a driver, but then I would like to move on to become car owner and Crew Chief for my son Steven. I'd like to give him a chance to drive."

The younger Densham, 21, is studying mechanical engineering at California Polytechnic University (Cal-Poly) in Pomona, Calif. A former NHRA Jr. Dragster champion, he is licensed in Top Alcohol Funny Car but has not yet raced competitively. (Jeff Burk photo) [1-15-2004]

A.R.T. JOINS MIKE EDWARDS MOTORSPORTS

Applied Racing Technology will join with Young Life Pro Stock Driver Mike Edwards as an associate sponsor for the 2004 NHRA POWERade racing season.

"We wanted to establish a presence in the Pro categories," stated owner Derek Steinbach. "That is why we chose to support Mike, recognizing his commitment to hard work and honest competition that has led his team to numerous NHRA Pro Stock top-ten finishes."

In addition to sponsoring Edwards' Pontiac Grand Am, A.R.T. will continue to campaign the company's Jerry Bickel Cavalier, which is driven by Sales Manager Corky Markwart in Super Comp and Top Sportsman. [1-15-2004]