NHRA ANNOUNCES NEW OILDOWN PENALTIES

In order to keep the show moving for the spectators at the track (but mostly for the television coverage) NHRA has changed the oildown penalties for professional race teams. Each nitromethane team will receive one oildown violation with no penalty, but the second will be subject to a $500 fine and loss of 10 points if the violation occurred during elimination rounds. Fines for each subsequent violation will increase in $500 increments.

A second violation during the same event will result in double the posted fine plus loss of 15 points if during eliminations. Three or more violations during the same event will result in double the posted fine plus loss of 20 points if during

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eliminations. After the sixth violation, NHRA will talk with the team and action will be taken, ranging from probation, a requirement to test, or denial to participate at future events.

"Although we have greatly reduced the amount of oildowns over the last few years, recently we've seen the beginnings of a possible trend going the other way," explained NHRA president Tom Compton. "It is very important that we continue to strive to maintain the exhilarating and fast-paced action on the track that is an integral part of the entertainment experience for our fans." [2-20-2004]

APRIL DEADLINE FOR 'OUTPERFORMERS' PROGRAM

Speaking of oil. . . . The Castrol SYNTEC Outperformers program, designed to attract young people to careers as automotive technicians, has a deadline of April 15. One winner who completes the program's SYNTEC curriculum and answers a series of questions surrounding the topic of automotive service and passion for cars will earn a $7,500 automotive scholarship. Four regional winners will visit John Force's headquarters in Yorba Linda, CA. Force is one of the contest judges.

New to the program this year is an award to recognize the automotive instructor with the most students completing the curriculum and entering the contest. Daniel Gilbert of Houston, TX was the 2003 winner. Students or educators with questions about the program should contact anthony.astran@ogilvypr.com. Official rules are available at www.syntecoutperformers.com. [2-20-2004]

SUMMIT EXPANDS CONTINGENCY

Sportsman and Pro racers in both NHRA and IHRA can now use a Summit Racing Log Book or a Summit Racing Tire Cover and be eligible for contingency money from Summit Racing Equipment. The Racing Log Book was redesigned for 2004 and features formulas and conversion charts, Track Tips from the pros, and Fast Facts from Frank Hawley. There are also places to record round-by-round data such as track temperatures, split times, and more. Summit Racing Tire Covers are available for full body cars and top Fuel, sportsman and junior dragsters. Log on to www.summitracing.com. [2-20-2004]