CARROLL SHELBY PART OF ASHLEY'S NHRA PRO MOD TEAM

Racing icon Carroll Shelby, who was Grand Marshall at the 12 Hours of Sebring and was being inducted into the Hall of Fame for that event, took time to make a side trip over to the NHRA Gatornationals to visit with GT Mustang Pro Mod owner/driver Mike Ashley (right) and Ashley's InfiNet sponsor Richard Kearby (center). Shelby actually has a long history in drag racing, having sponsored a Top Fuel car driven by Don Prudhomme and an AA/SP AC Cobra driven by Funny Car veteran Bruce Larson. Perhaps best known for his Shelby Mustang, Shelby spent most of Saturday at the track watching the Pro Mod race and being paid homage by all the hitters in the sport, including John Force and Prudhomme.

DRO senior writer Susan Wade's feature on Shelby and his return to professional drag racing will be in the April issue of DRO, which goes up April 8. (Jeff Burk photo) (3-24-2004)

FIBERGLASS FOREST GROWING AT BYRON DRAGWAY?

Agent 1320 hears that something like the famous "Manufacturer's Meet" that was a staple event at upstate Illinois' Byron Dragway may be happening again. One of the Agent's operatives from that area called to say that the rumor is going around that legendary Bryon track owner, operator, promoter, and announcer, Ron Leek, has solved his problems with the local government and may bring nitro coupes back to the historic track after an 18-year absence. Yahoo! (file photo by Jeff Burk)
(3-24-2004)