THEY KNOW FORCE EVEN IN RUSSIA

DRO recently got an e-mail from an editorial type from Russia by the name of Margus H. Kuuse. Seems like the dude is an Estonian with an American dad who got him hooked on drag racing over 30 years ago. He currently edits a motorsports publication called Auto. Kuuse wrote to let us know about drag racing in the former Soviet Union and to inquire about getting photography for an article about Ashley Force. We hooked him up with John Force's "chicken blower" (Don't ask you wouldn't believe it anyway), Dave Densmore. Hope this action doesn't further hurt America's image overseas.

The correspondence really proves that Jungle Jim knew what he was talking about when he uttered those words, "Drag Racing is Farrrrr Out!" [4-20-2004]

TOP COMP LIVES!

In another universe many years ago DRO Editor Jeff Burk and his best buddy Dave Koehler used to run a blown gas dragster in the much-missed AHRA Top Comp class. We are pleased to find out that NHRA's division 5 has resurrected the class. DRO got a note from NHRA Division 5 Services Coordinator Ron Conner advising that there are six races in that division with a Top Comp class with 32 cars qualified from six-flat to 8.49. The champ at the end of the year gets "a Wally and some cash." The official title is the Nebraska Chassis Top Comp Series. First race is the West Central Division National Open at Iowa's Tri-State Dragway May 1-2. Jok Nicholson and the DRO project 4-link dragster will be there. For more info go to www.nhradiv5.com [4-20-2004]

MOVE OVER, TEAM FORCE. 'TEAM ORDERS' COME TO PRO MOD?

DRO was told by someone close to the Ashley team after Houston that Pro Mod legend Scotty Cannon was part of the Mike Ashley-Danny Rowe-Scotty Cannon "team" and that Scotty was using someone other than his own tune-up and parts and sharing information.

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It was also suggested that if it came down to one of the team members needing another team member to take a dive to ensure a World Championship, any member of the team including Cannon would take a "dive" to make sure that happened. Our source also made it very clear that there were no team orders when the Ashley and Cannon met in the first round at Houston.

Knowing Cannon as we do, DRO went straight to the source to check out this info. Cannon acknowledged that he did share data logger readouts with the rest of the "team" but said his parts were on his motor and he made it very, very, clear that he wouldn't dive for anyone at anytime for any reason. As far as DRO is concerned, that rumor about Cannon is put to rest and the case is closed permanently!

Will Danny Rowe be taking "team orders?" That's another question altogether. [4-20-2004]