THE CURE FOR LOW TV RATINGS?

Drag racing fans are always explaining to new television viewers that the tube simply cannot capture the full drag racing experience. Maybe we're getting closer to a solution to

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that problem. Reader Stan Scott recently sent DRO an Associated Press wire story about Tokyo-based NTT Communications Corp, which is testing a system to deliver smells over the Internet. Can "smellavision" be far behind?

The Agent can see it now: a wall-sized high definition tv with surround sound, the sub-woofers pulsating in time to the engine rpm and vibrating throughout his entire body, with squirts of nitromethane and burning rubber taking his breath away and bringing tears to his eyes. Now THAT'S drag racing. [12-10-2004]

R/U FINISH FOR ROCKINGHAM

Rockingham Dragway was one of three runners-up for the North Carolina Small Business of the Year award. The award is presented by Business North Carolina and sponsored by BB&T Corporation. The Agent's congrats go to track owner Steve Earwood and his fine facility. [12-10-2004]

NEW WAY TO GET A RIDE?

Erica Enders will be the first female Pro Stock driver on the NHRA POWERade tour next season, driving a Chevrolet for Victor Cagnazzi's race team. Last year the 21-year-old Texas A&M student was the subject of the Disney Channel movie "Right on Track," which was based on her experiences driving a Jr. Dragster. She has driven a Super Comp dragster and a Super Gas Corvette before getting her Pro Stock license a few weeks ago at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

That's just the opposite of the way it worked for Shirley Muldowney, who first had a successful driving career and then had a movie made about her. Guess the times are achanging. [12-10-2004]

BEN BRAY UPDATE FROM DOWN UNDER

Gerald McDornan, one of the Agent's operatives in Australia, sent a note regarding Benny Bray's rumored 245-mph run on the weekend and it seems like the talented second generation driver only went 243+. But he did manage to run a 6.024 with runs of 6.038 and 6.045 for a new elapsed time record. Here are the numbers for the first qualifying round. 60-ft: 1.046; 330-ft: 2.744; 660-ft: 4.050/194.54; 1,000-ft: 5.166; 1320-ft: 6.112/243.24. The numbers for the second qualifying round are 60-ft: 1.0002; 330-ft: 2.649; 660-ft: 3.960/194.32; 1,000-ft: 5.081; 1320-ft: 6.024/236.84.

The car Benny drove is the car that his father, Victor, won all six of his Aussie Championships in. Murray Anderson built the car, which debuted at the U.S. vs. Australia series against Kirk Kuhns and Jim Campos at Calder Park in Melbourne 10 years ago next weekend! [12-8-2004]