PHOTO-COPY FOLLIES

One of the Agent's operatives was in attendance at the Goodguys March Meet to witness one of the harshest penalties yet for visiting a Kinkos. How about forfeiting a 5.96 -- which after the second session was good for the number 2 spot -- and being told that you're kicked out of the race.

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An illegal copy of Top Fuel car owner Butch Blair's car pass was discovered, leading Goodguys/VRA president Marc Meadors to bounce Blair and driver Howard Haight from the show. Blair said he was not positive who might have forged the pass, which was sent to him, but offered to pay for it.

Meadors said this was the third straight March Meet that forged credentials had been discovered in the Top Fuel ranks. Each time it was a different team. "We've sent letters (to the competitors) but apparently they aren't receiving the message. Now 22 other teams in the pits will know we're serious," Meadors said.

Got the message? (DRO file photo by Gil Rebilas) [3-16-2004]

JOHNSON SUCCUMBS

David Johnson, track operator at several IHRA facilities, died March 12 after a long battle with cancer. Johnson, 32, was involved with racing his entire life, beginning as a crewmember for Don Garlits and Gene Snow. He began managing track at East Side Speedway in Waynesboro, VA. He later was at Virginia Motorsports Park and Darlington International Dragway. He was co-owner and general manager of Red River Raceway. He had recently take a job as general manager at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, MI. He was in the process of relocating when cancer reappeared. He is survived by his wife, Mitzi. [3-16-2004]