STRATUS MYSTERY SOLVED

The Agent was wondering back on Aug. 24, who would receive the second Dodge Stratus Pro Mod currently in the works at Skinny Kid Race cars. He has now confirmed that Lakeville, MN's Dan Dye expects to take delivery of the new car in January, with testing scheduled for February at Bradenton, FL.

Dye plans to enter a few IHRA Pro Mod races next season with a Mike Janis-built hemi between the frame rails of his new ride and said both Janis and John Vouros will act as trackside consultants to his team. Dodge Motorsports will also be along for the ride, Dye said at the World Street Finals at Orlando, where he enjoyed a semi-final finish in Heavy Street with his JanCen hemi-equipped '71 Cuda. (Ian Tocher photo)  [10-18-2004]

GREEN LEAVES RAT TRAP TEAM

Ron Hope, owner and driver of the Rat Trap Fuel Altered, announced that crew chief Don Green has left the team effective immediately. Green is retiring from the rigorous match race schedule to pursue other interests.

Brian Hope will assume the duties of crew chief, assisted by Todd Landsiedel. The Rat Trap continues its World Tour, with match races and selected national event appearances. [10-18-2004]

STRATUS SPORT COMPACT TO BE UNVEILED

New York's A&A Performance Motorsports will unveil their new Sport Compact Dodge Stratus at this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 2. Team owner A.J. Berge will be handling the driving duties with Jerry Staples as his crew chief. The new ride will be in competition in NHRA Pro-RWD and NDRA Pro-Compact Classes for the 2005 season.

Twin Garrett turbos running on methanol will boost the horsepower on the Chrysler 3.2 liter V-6. Getting the power to the ground is through a multi-speed planetary-style transmission designed and built by Pro-Trans, the builders of transmissions for Mike Crawford's MOPAR Dodge Neon SRT-4.

With a carbon fiber body supplied by Daimler Chrysler, owner Berge said, "We wanted to do extraordinary things in our first year and be championship-capable out of the trailer." 

The new team is off to a good start with sponsorship from the largest auto dealer on Long Island; Westbury Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge, Chrysler Financial, Unorthodox Racing, Precision Turbo and MOPAR. [10-18-2004]