GILBERTSON GOES TO XTREME

And speaking of Xtremes, Bob Gilbertson unveiled the Autolite Xtreme Performance/Prestone Chevrolet Monte Carlo Funny Car he will drive next season.

"I've always wanted a black car and with all the graphics, it will really stand out," Gilbertson said. "Not only will we have a new look, but we're going to step it up in the performance department. With Autolite and Prestone's support, we now have the budget to do what it takes to move up to the next level." [12-14-2004]

SHELL METHANOL?

Although each sanctioning body has its official alcohol fuel, there may be something new on the horizon. The Agent spoke with representatives from Shell Chemical in Europe and learned that Shell engineers are formulating a racing methanol containing a special dye marker to help identify flash fires in the pits, since the hot fires are almost undetectable during daytime hours and can be very destructive unless spotted early.

The new product is being developed for IRL and/or Champ car competition, but could very well make it over to the U.S. Shell marketing people asked extensive questions of racers as they passed the Quaker State/Pennzoil booth in the RCA Dome at PRI. Can you imagine header flames from the alky funny cars and dragsters at night?

Shell is also working on a newly formulated nitro oil in 60 and 70 weights as well as a new nitro warm-up oil along with ideas of an on-site, traveling tech support center where racers may bring their racing oil. Shell engineers would advise and could help to determine the best applications, viscosity and weights to run in specific race engines and RPM ranges. [12-14-2004]

THE FULL MONTE

And still speaking of Monte Carlos, at the PRI Show Scott Weney was proudly handing out photos of S&W Race Cars' new 2005 Monte Carlo for the Alcohol funnies. The carbon fiber replica was specifically designed for the aero needs of Alky flopper racing as a joint effort between Roush Advanced Composites and S&W. [12-14-2004]

SAITZ TO BUILD PRO 5.0 MUSTANG

Dan and Jim Saitz of Hyperformance Motorsports Racing have contracted with Jerry Haas Race Cars of Fenton, MO to construct a 2005 Ford Mustang to be completed in mid-2005. The car will feature a Jim Kuntz-built small block Ford aided by dual Precision 76MM turbos. The car will be legal for Pro 5.0 and AMS Pro Mod, and will be campaigned in the Fun Ford Weekend Series as well as various Outlaw races. The team will campaign their 1997 Haas-built Ford Probe at the start of the season until the new ride is ready. [12-14-2004]