BE FAIRE OR BE SQUARE

The Goodguys will present their 7th Annual Nitro Nationals June 25-26 on the Pomona (Calif.) Fairplex quarter mile. Based upon the early Thursday arrivals, there are funny cars in abundance with nine nitro floppers through tech inspection so far. One of the Agent's operatives spoke with a Goodguys official who said they expect over 400 racecars for this meet with front motored top fuelers, nitro floppers, gassers, altereds and hot rods and a large vintage car show. Time trials start promptly at 9 a.m. Friday with two nitro qualifying sessions at 1 p.m. and under the lights at 7:00. Saturday's Pro eliminations begin at 6 p.m.

Sunday brings the 22nd Annual Society of Automotive Historians Literature Faire at Irwindale Speedway with gates opening at 7 a.m. Admission is free with hundreds of racing posters, fan cards, pins, books, team uniforms, auto comic books, photos, die cast, press kits, and old car magazines for sale from drag racing and NASCAR to
Formula 1.

The Faire closes at noon to make way for Irwindale Dragstrip's gathering of some of SoCal's best bracket racers, exhibition cars, race fans and exhibitors on the eighth mile. The 3rd annual running of the Manufacturer's Cup Challenge race will pit Ford-vs-Mopar-vs-GM-vs-the Wild Cards with drag racing until dark. (Darr Hawthorne photo) [6-25-2004]

CHUCK-A-BURGER CRUISE

St. Louis hamburger honcho and drag racing supporter Ron Stille owns and operates St. Louis's most famous drive-in burger joint. The Chuck-A-Burger on St. Charles Rock Road offers genuine curb service, "car hops" in poodle skirts, cruise nights and great burgers. Stille not only sponsors a local '57 Chevy Super Gas car but, for the NHRA national event at St. Louis, stepped up, along with the Missouri Thunder custom cycle shop, with a one-race sponsorship for Pro Mod hitter Rickie Smith and young hot shoe Zach Barklage.

The Agent -- who has been known to consume a couple of "Double Chucks" on occasion -- thought that since the local eatery supports the sport, we would run some photos from the Pro Mod cruise night. (Jeff Burk photos) [6-25-2004]