DRO'S OWN VERSION OF THE CRIMSON TIDE!

DRO columnist Dale Wilson and wife Fran were at Huntsville (AL) Dragway's 'Bama Nationals, with Fran going several rounds in the Pro bracket class. Mike Harden eventually won the Pro race with his 1967 Camaro, defeating Jerry Wilson, who broke out with his dragster. The Footbrake bracket final featured a father-and-son battle in a pair of early-70s Novas, with Marty Adcock Sr. taking the win over Marty Jr. See complete results of the 'Bama Nationals in our Race Coverage. (Ian Tocher photo) [4-22-2004]

BOY OH BOISE

The AAFA and Nostalgia Top Fuel Cars were in action April 17-18 at the Nitro Ignitor held at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho. Gary Reed (photo) drove Mike Sullivan's swoopy new Fiat AAFA to a new track record of 5.501 at 273.33 mph. Jack "the Sheriff" Harris reset the Nostalgia Top Fuel track record at 5.85/255.23 and got the final round win over Bill Dunlop in Mike Fuller's dragster.

Ron Fassl brought a new car to the meet, but a faulty fuel line on the back of the engine caused a small fire at the launch. The veteran driver legged the car on to the finish line. "I saw it was on fire from the hit," Fassl explained, "but it wasn't that bad so I just hung with it." (photos by Brian Losness/Nitrophoto Motorsports Photography) [4-22-2004]

TODD FACES SURGERY

Longtime IHRA Funny Car competitor Monty Todd is campaigning this '55 Chevy-bodied flopper on the match race circuit this season, but unfortunately, won't be behind the wheel. Todd said he will act as crew chief for the car this year with Jim Phillips handling the driving at approximately 20 races.

Last fall, Todd was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, a degenerative disease that prevents blood flow to the hip joints. He will undergo surgery May 4, on his left hip, with a similar operation scheduled for his right hip about three months later. He definitely is out of the seat for 2004 and said it's up to his doctor's prognosis whether he will ever be able to return as a driver. The Agent sends sincere well wishes to one of the good guys in drag racing. (Ian Tocher photo) [4-22-2004]