BLUE TRAVELERS

Bob Gilbertson has announced that Tommy DeLago will join Nick Boninfante, Jr. as co-crew chief of the Autolite XP Xtreme Performance team.

DeLago was at PRI in the Boninfante clutches booth and told the Agent he's up for the challenge and new opportunity he's got with the new team and he'll move near Gilby's new Charlotte shop. DeLago has been assistant crew chief to Mike Green on Snake's Skoal Racing Blue car driven by Tommy Johnson Jr. DeLago may bring some body expertise since he worked with the same Chevy Monte Carlo body at Prudhomme's -- in fact, they will start the season with one Gilbertson purchased from the Snake.

The Agent also ran into former Skoal Blue teammate Kevin Butterfield who handed over his new business card as assistant crew chief to Lee Beard on Whit Bazemore's Matco-sponsored flopper. [12-13-2004]

GLIDDEN GOES SOUTH

While getting ready for the new season, Schumacher's Hemi engine builder, Bob Glidden, has been even busier than he might ordinarily be, making a few visits to Evernham's North Carolina shop to swap technical info with the Dodge NASCAR engine shop, all with the factory's blessing. You may remember how the engine program at Greg Anderson's shop improved with the addition of Jason Line who moved from Joe Gibbs NASCAR racing engine shop. (Zak Hawthorne photo) [12-13-2004]

NHRA FUNNY CAR TOP-TEN BOUND? DO THE MATH

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Not so fast, Mr. Privateer flopper owner. By the Agent's calculation there will be a number of single car teams fighting for the remaining POWERade points slot at the end of the 2005 season. Let's see, Schumacher will have three potent floppers, Force three floppers, Worsham with two solid players, and the always tough Tim Wilkerson will probably fall neatly into that mix, leaving one slot for a possible top-ten finish.

Might there be a couple of single car teams who'll be sharing info by mid-season as Amato and Herbert have worked out in Top Fuel? [12-13-2004]