GET READY FOR IHRA CHANGES

Amid much speculation that IHRA may be in for an overhaul by owner Clear Channel Entertainment, IHRA today issued a statement that confirmed changes would happen, but did not specify what. Be prepared for changes for 2005 as IHRA says it is "determined to establish a new vibrant identity that sets it apart."

"We are committed to and confident in Bill Bader and his management team," said Charlie Mancuso, President of Clear Channel Motorsports. "We are working closely together to marshal the resources of Clear Channel to build a series that is second to none. There will be changes and those changes will be in the best interest of fans, television viewers, sponsors, racers, race teams and our partners at each racetrack."

"We are committed to creating a revolution in drag racing and testing tradition with new innovative ways to raise the bar," said Bill Bader. "It's all in the presentation! We are committed to the concept and ready to lead the way."

Since Clear Channel Entertainment - Motor Sports also produces Motocross and Monster Truck shows, the Agent's imagination can't help but work overtime. Stay tuned and hold on -- this could be a wild ride. (Jeff Burk photo) [5-26-2004]

LEONG RETURNS TO CAPPS CAR

Effective immediately, Roland Leong will replace John Stewart as the crew chief for the Ron Capps-driven Chevy Monte Carlo Funny Car of the green Skoal Racing Team. Leong called the shots for Capps from May 1997 through the 1999 NHRA campaign, tuning Capps to seven victories and a second place finish in the 1998 Funny Car points standings. In addition to the return of Leong, David Hutchens will join Snake Racing as an engineering consultant.

"My philosophy is to take things one run at a time," Leong said. "I like to gather information and go from there. I know that Dave Hutchens, Todd (Okuhara), and I will all get along very well, which is a key to having a successful organization."

Leong will serve as crew chief on Capps' green Skoal Racing flopper, while Todd Okuhara will continue his duties as assistant crew chief. Phil Shuler will remain in his role as car chief.

"Dave (Hutchens) and I clicked when we worked together on Jim Epler's car in 2001," Leong said. "He's a good addition to any crew. Coming from the Pro Stock ranks, he brings a different perspective to the fuel cars." (DRO file photo by Jeff Burk) [5-26-2004]

ROUTE 66 IS DRAG RACING'S NEW 'TEMPLE OF SPEED'

Move over Texas Motorplex, forget the Houston hustle, Gainesville isn't even in the running. The assault on speed records by the nitro burners at Route 66 was nothing short of stunning. Speeds over 330 mph were cheap in Funny Car with Whit Bazemore clocking a stellar 333.25. Top Fuel shoe Brandon Bernstein stepped into dad's stirrups and ripped off a couple of 330-plus passes, including a record setting 333.41. And don't forget Doug Kalitta's mind bending 4.420 in the finals where he ran over 280 mph to the eighth and tossed the blower belt at a thousand feet.

For all you stats freaks out there we thought we would give you the progressives on a couple of those runs.

Doug Kalitta: 60-ft, .078; 330-ft, 2.12; half track, 3.004/283.73; 1000ft, 3.758; finish line 4.420/328.22

Whit Bazemore: 60ft, .902; 330ft, 2.282; half track, 3.248/264.23; 1000ft, 4.040; finish line 4.713/333.25 [5-26-2004]