CAPPS WAITING FOR 'BRUTIFUL' DESIGN

While it is clear that, as the Agent predicted, Ron Capps is headed to Schumacher Racing, there has been a delay in making the final sponsorship announcement. The Brut Fragrance, part of worldwide Unilever Products, is still working on the graphic treatments for their newly sponsored Funny Car for the 2005 season. One of the Agent's operatives spotted some of the proposed treatments at Impact Racing's Indy shop for Ron's new firesuit.

With designs up in the air, the announcement of the new Capps-driven Mopar Stratus will be delayed until after the Performance Racing Industry Show held in Indy December 9-11. [11-30-2004]

BAZEMORE KEEPS SEAT, LOSES SOME CASH

The Agent also hears that rumors of Whit Bazemore's departure from the Matco-sponsored fuel coupe is just a wacky rumor. While nobody is pleased with the $15,000 fine and two-year probation imposed by the NHRA for unsafe driving and unsportsmanlike conduct at the Pomona Finals, Baze still has his ride. [11-30-2004]

BRADENTON SWITCHES BACK TO NHRA

Agent 1320 has it on good authority that Bradenton (FL) Motorsports Park is switching from being an IHRA-sanctioned track and returning to the NHRA fold. Readers may remember

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that when the recently retired Bill Bader first took over the reins of the IHRA, his first race was a disastrous event at the Brandenton facility. The track had been an NHRA-sanctioned track for many years while owned and operated by the great Art Malone. When IHRA promised the new owners a National Event, the track changed sanctioning bodies.

The Agent hears that the price to change this time was a little less. Supposedly, Bradenton will get an NHRA points meet for the first weekend in February. The addition of that date could give Sportsman racers in Florida four NHRA-sanctioned events early in the months of February and March. [11-30-2004]

MUSI, MCMANAMA GETTING NEW '57 CHEVYS

The Agent hears that Pat Musi and Cody McManama have ordered a couple of '57 Chevys from a St. Louis area car builder for the 2005 season. The Agent's source says that both '57s will have bodies similar to the one-off body that Carl Moyer had made for himself. [11-30-2004]

800,000 REASONS WHY RIEGER WON'T BE BACK

The Agent got a nice note from his buddy Bob Rieger after the 1320 note about Rieger's possible return to Pro Mod racing. Bob said he crunched the numbers and decided that at least right now he would take a pass. After his latest retirement he sold all the racing equipment he had and according to his figures it would cost him a minimum of $800 large to put a single car team together and that figure didn't include operating expenses. WHEW! [11-30-2004]