PAYNE IN, SHELLY OUT

Agent 1320 has learned that former Top Fuel shoe Shelly Anderson, who had planned to compete in the NHRA AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod race this weekend at the NHRA Gatornationals, will give up her seat to husband and certified Alky Funny hitter Jay Payne. The reason? Seems like Shelly is with child.

The Agent would have loved to see Shelly shoe the Anderson family's Murray Anderson-built supercharged Camaro but Jay Payne will certainly bring some color to the Pro Mod field. Payne joins Von Smith as former NHRA Alky Funny car

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competitors now racing Pro Mods.

Pretty creative way to get a ride, Jay. (3-17-2004)

PREVATT LEAVING WINNEBAGO

Winnebago Motorsports and Specialty Markets Manager Chris Prevatt has told DRO that he has resigned that position. He is moving to Missouri to start a horse ranch and take the position of sales manager at Wheelen RV near Joplin. He told DRO that he didn't know if someone would replace him as Motorsports Manager at Winnebago but that he felt the "Racer Appreciation Program" would continue after he was gone. Prevatt also made it clear that Wheelen RV would be a racer friendly Winnebago dealer and that he intended to remain active in drag racing. (3-17-2004)

SNOW CRASHES AT HOUSTON, BIONDO CRASHES AT ORLANDO

The Agent got a couple of calls that reminded him that while drag racing is pretty safe, it is still a motor sport and inherently dangerous. One of the Agent's favorite Texas racers, Gene Snow, destroyed his A/FD while racing at the NHRA points meet at Houston last weekend. According to an eyewitness Snow went into tire shake and tagged the wall, which in turn caused the throttle to stick and drive the A-Fueler into the other wall rear-end first, totaling the Gaddy-built dragster. Snow, who was unhurt, had planned to race at the IHRA National event race in San Antonio March 26-28 but those plans have been shelved until Snow gets another car.

We also received this photo of Peter Biondo's C/SA car that ran off the end of Orlando Dragway when a push rod falling out of the master cylinder caused brake failure. Biondo won the NHRA point meet and the Gatornationals Sportsman race which was contested at the Orlando track last year so he was familiar with the track. Luckily Biondo was unhurt. Couldn't say the same for the Camaro.
(3-17-2004)

GOODYEAR DEBUTS NEW TF & FC TIRE
The latest generation Goodyear Eagle drag racing tire will perform in competition for the first time at the Gatornationals. Goodyear's new D2096 rear drive tire will replace the D1486 for the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes. Competitors can use the old D1486 while supplies last.

"The D2096 includes some minor construction changes to help dissipate heat buildup," explained Carolyn Ashbee, Goodyear's sales and marketing manager for drag racing. "That will help tire durability."

Chris Johenning, Goodyear lead engineer for drag and sports car racing, said the construction changes combined with the new tread compound could reduce tire temperatures by as much as 50 to 100 degrees, depending upon track conditions.
(3-17-2004)