HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS TO AIR SUNDAY ON ESPN2

The 2004 International Drag Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air on ESPN2's "Inside Drag Racing" Sunday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. (ET). The inductees are Brad Anderson, Wayne Gapp, Herm Petersen & Sam Fitz, Bennie Osborn, and Henry Velasco. Karen Raffa also accepts the Founder's Award on behalf of her late husband, photojournalist John Raffa, who died in January. [4-8-2004]

JEG WILL BE ON WIND TUNNEL MONDAY

NHRA POWERade Pro Stock driver Jeg Coughlin, Jr will be the featured guest on "Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain." The show will air on the SPEED Channel Monday, April 12 at 10:00 p.m. (ET). The live interview with Jeg will be done from inside the state-of-the-art JEG'S Mail Order distribution center, which is located in Delaware, Ohio. Questions can be emailed to Windtunnel@speedtv.com and 1-866-W-TUNNEL is the number to call Monday-Thursday nights from 10-11pm (ET). (Jeff Burk photo) [4-8-2004]

TAYLOR JOINS NHRA

Former General Motors Racing Group Manager Don Taylor has been named NHRA senior director of national technical operations, effective May 3. Taylor will oversee NHRA's

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technical department and report directly to Cary Menard, vice president technical administration and legal affairs.

While at GM, Taylor was most recently responsible for drag racing, sport compact "tuner," and motorsports safety programs. He oversaw program managers and engineers in the areas of engine, chassis, and aerodynamics. He also managed the relationship with sanctioning bodies and with race teams. Prior to that, Taylor was group manager for GM's effort in NASCAR Winston Cup, Busch, Craftsman Truck and ASA Racing series. Taylor spent nearly 25 years with GM, and holds degrees in engineering, industrial design, and marketing. He will relocate to NHRA's corporate headquarters in Glendora, Calif.

"NHRA has a great management and technical team in place," said Taylor. "With that said, I enthusiastically look forward to joining the team and making a significant impact on the growth of NHRA." [4-8-2004]

WALLACE RETURNS TO DRO

Veteran drag racing photojournalist Dave Wallace returns as a columnist for Drag Racing Online. Wallace, seen earlier this year enjoying himself at the Goodguys March Meet, has contributed his "Now 'n' Then" column to our April issue. (You surely didn't think Burk would let you get away unscathed did you, Dave?) At the next DRO staff meeting, the Flaming Sambucas are on the Agent. Well, perhaps that is a poor choice of words. (Photo by Mike Bumbeck) [4-8-2004]