GRANT RACE TEAM ON HIATUS

Pro Stock race team owner and driver, Barry Grant, has announced that his racing team will miss the next few events to regroup.

"We've not performed as expected," said Grant, "and we've decided to make some changes in an attempt to raise our game."

It sounds like engine builder Frank Iaconio may be leaving, but Buddy Ingersoll, Rich Purdy, Chuck Williams and Mike Earle will be staying. Grant, sponsor of the NHRA King Demon Crown, will establish a new engine shop in Charlotte, NC, a bit of a drive from his Dahlongea, GA carburetor business. [6-8-2004]

NEW TRACK SURFACE FACES RACERS AT COLUMBUS

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the race teams this weekend will be taming the new racing surface at National Trail Raceway in Columbus, Ohio. Traditionally one of the

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toughest on the entire circuit, its rough, bumpy surface put drivers to the test in the past, with two rookie pilots ending their runs on their roofs a year ago. Much to the relief of every competitor, the track has received extensive attention since the NHRA's last visit, including a total resurfacing of the quarter-mile. Therefore, the first race this weekend will be to find the proper combination to extract the maximum performance.

"Going in, we really don't know what to expect from the new surface," stated Pro Stock driver Kurt Johnson. "I've only spoken to one person, who was pretty positive about it, but, quite frankly, anything will be better than what we had to race on before. We will have to see what we have when we get there.

"National Trail is one track that for some reason has given me trouble throughout my career. The best I've done there so far is a final round appearance during my rookie season, so we would certainly like to break into the win column this weekend.

"We will just have to get the tune-up right, matching the motor to the gear to the clutch to the race track, and do it better than our competitors. Fortunately, I believe this ACDelco crew is going to Columbus in better shape than we ever have before, so I'm confident we are going to do well." Johnson added, "We'll go there, let the clutch fly and see what we can do." [6-8-2004]

REMODELING THE 'PLEX

Billy Meyer's Texas Motorplex is getting a facelift to the facility's suite tower building as well as new hard surface parking areas throughout the facility. The suite redesign includes adding starting line balcony seating to all of the luxury suites. Built in 1986, the Plex will be the only track with balcony seating in drag racing.

"The balconies will also offer our suite holders a more positive concert and non-sporting event experience at our facility," said Arthur O'Bright, Texas Motorplex GM.

The enhancements are currently under construction and scheduled to be finished in time for the NHRA O'Reilly Fall Nationals, September 23-26. The Agent, used to loge seating, will be bringing his opera glasses. [6-8-2004]