CMTS TO RETURN FOR 2005

The Agent hears that several Midwest tracks have expressed interest in hosting races for the CMTS series that ran exclusively at Gateway International Raceway in 2004 (see coverage of the last race in DRO's Race Results). According to the Agent's sources there could be three or more Midwest tracks involved and it would continue to be 1/8th mile racing with just a few minor car rules to keep the peace.

The Agent hears that promoter/racer Donnie Little is still looking for a couple more eighth-mile tracks in the Midwest to have races at. If the circuit returns, you can be sure that DRO will cover it. [11-19-2004]

GEOFFRION TO DRIVE PRO MOD FOR ROY HILL?

Bob Panella and Scott Geoffrion announced a couple of days ago that they would team up with Hurley Blakney and campaign a couple of Ford Escorts at 12-14 NHRA national events in 2005. Now comes news to the Agent that Geoffrion will also drive for Pro Mod team owner Roy Hill, who has signed up to attend all of the AMS Staff Leasing races that will be run at NHRA national events and tracks. The question is how long will the pair last if Roy Hill's 2005 Mustang is uncompetitive with the 100-lb weight penalty. [11-19-2004]

TWO STRATUS FOR BRAD ANDERSON PRO MOD TEAM

Agent 1320 has learned that Pro Mod team owner and engine builder Brad Anderson will park his Murray Anderson-built, swing-arm suspension '67 Camaro that Jay Payne drove last year and instead will have a two-car team with dual Dodge Stratuses (Strati?). One for Jay Payne and one for daughter Shelly Anderson Payne. Word has it both cars will carry the Valvoline livery for the 2005 season. [11-19-2004]

NO SPORTSNATIONALS IN SALT LAKE!

It has been reported that one of the projected new SportsNationals races (the one other than the current race at No Problem Raceway in Louisiana) could take place at a Salt Lake City drag racing facility. After several calls and e-mails from racers, DRO made a call to Len Imbrogno NHRA's Director of Sportsman Racing and Member Tracks and queried him as to the possibility of a race at Salt Lake.

His response was, "I guarantee you there won't be a SportsNationals race there in 2005. We are looking at tracks in either Division 1 or 3. We should be able to announce something soon."  [11-19-2004]

ODDY HIRES BILLES AS DRIVER

Jim Oddy has hired Canadian Pro Mod racer Al Billes to drive for Oddy's Summit Racing Equipment-sponsored team in 2005.

"I've known Al since he started driving, I sold him engines when he first started and watched him become one of the best drivers and tuners in Pro Mod," said Oddy. "The fact that he finished second in NHRA and IHRA Championship points this season and currently holds the IHRA ET record tells you all you need to know about his talent both as a driver and a tuner."

Billes will also bring his '53 Corvette to the team, allowing Oddy to run separate cars on the IHRA and NHRA circuits. Billes's car will campaign on the NHRA circuit while Oddy's new Dodge Stratus will go after the IHRA championship. Billes, based in Barrie, Ontario, and Oddy, in Elma, NY, will maintain their own shops and dyno facilities. Billes will drive both cars and both cars will have identical paint jobs with Summit as major sponsor and Isky Racing Cams, Blower Driver Serivce, Red Line Oil, Hoosier Tires and MSD as associate sponsors.

"I just want to race and win a World Championship," Billes said. "I think driving and working with Jim and the rest of the Summiit Racing Equipment team gives me the best opportunity to do that. I do have one personal goal and that is to be the first Canadian Pro Mod driver to win a World Championship." [11-18-2004]

COUGHLIN TO APPEAR ON NHRA2DAY

Two-time NHRA POWERade Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin, Jr will be a
guest in the studio this weekend on NHRA2Day. The show will air Sunday, November 21st at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on ESPN2. The 34-year-old, second-generation NHRA driver will discuss his plans for the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season with host Bill Stephens. [11-18-2004]