WJ SETS '05 AS LAST SEASON

An era will come to an end following the completion of the 2005 season, as Warren Johnson announced that he will step out of the GM Performance Parts Grand Am's driver's seat after the next POWERade Drag Racing season.

"I've never had any qualms about stepping out of the seat, as long as it was the best approach for our organization, and this seems like the right time," said Johnson. "Naturally, I will still be involved in racing. It's just gotten to the point lately that I'm wearing too many hats, which prevents me from doing the job as well as I would like to. Therefore, if I can eliminate one assignment and make our operation more successful, it's a positive move. By not driving, I will have more time to spend on some very important projects."

Sounds like the Professor is going to become the Dean. (Jeff Burk photo) [11-15-2004]

RUSSELL AUCTION RAISES SPIRITS AND DOLLARS

The Darrell Russell Memorial Auction held Nov. 13 at Pomona Raceway was a huge success, raising approximately $275,000, with all of the proceeds going directly to Darrell's widow Julie Russell, who was in attendance. The emotional auction was the idea of Ali and Larry Dixon and bidders included drag fans and the biggies of drag racing with spirited bidding among the likes of Don Schumacher, Terry Vance, Gary Scelzi, John Force, Whit Bazemore, Kenny Koretsky, Doug Herbert and many others.

A GM big-block crate motor went for a top bid of $7,000 and the high-dollar item was a Randy Green-built Darrell Russell tribute glass coffee table supported by billet connecting rods that was sold to Kenny Bernstein for a whopping $14,000. The live and silent auctions were held in the Hospitality Village at the Fairplex during the World Finals. (Zak Hawthorne photo) [11-15-2004]

STEPHENS MOVING ON

As the Agent reported early last month, it's official that Bill Stephens will be leaving the NHRA/ESPN TV Show and NHRA2Day to join the team of Ted Jones and Bret Kepner at Masters Entertainment for the 2005 season.
According to reports, Stephens wants to spend more time with his wife and kids rather than on the road as much as his schedule has demanded.

Based in Bristol, Tennessee, Masters Entertainment produces much of the NHRA television product other than the POWERade show, such as Inside Drag Racing, AMS Pro Mods, NHRA Sport Compact and numerous cars shows, nitro Harley events, and 10.5-wide racing series.

With the depth of talent remaining at NHRA/ESPN, the Agent hopes to see Bob Frey and Lewis Bloom getting their fair shot at the NHRA Big Show. (Zak Hawthorne photo) [11-15-2004]