SICK CALL: 'PAPPY' HART

Word reaches the Agent that C.J. "Pappy" Hart has suffered a stroke. Hart, 93, was instrumental in beginning the Southern California drag racing scene in the late 1940s. One leg and his speech have been affected, but he is alert and will begin rehab soon. We'll let you know as soon as an address is available so you can join the Agent in sending your best wishes. [6-1-2004]

STOTT CHANGING SANCTIONS AND CLASSES?

IHRA Pro Modified champ Mitch Stott has revealed plans to move to the NHRA POWERade series in the seat of a Funny Car next year. Stott, the first driver to make a five-

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second pass (5.985) in a doorslammer, made his wishes known during the IHRA ACDelco Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park.

"Regardless of what life brings me tomorrow, I did accomplish the goal of winning a (Pro Modified) championship," Stott said. "But I am looking at another class that we may move to."

No definite plans have been announced, and the ol' Agent has been sucked in before by Mitch's "trial balloons." Any takers?
[6-1-2004]

HSM TO FIELD TWO NOSTALGIA DRAGSTERS

After obtaining additional sponsorship, High Speed Motorsports will campaign two Nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters. Barrick Gaming Corp.-Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and High Speed Steel Heat Treating will sponsor both a new car, owned by Tom Shelar and Walt Stevens, which will be driven by Sean Bellemeur, and the MasterCam/Plaza Hotel fueler (above) of Frank and Ruthie Hedge, driven by Mendy Fry. One or both cars will compete at several events for the remainder of this season and at most 2005 events. (Tim Marshall photo) [6-1-2004]