PAYING FOR THE PRIVILEGE

While this won't directly affect fans, it is an indication of the direction that NHRA management is taking with regards to maximizing NHRA's ability to profit from all venues at their events. DRO has been informed that any photographer that attends an NHRA national event and sells photos taken at the event will be treated as a "Vendor" and be required to buy a "license" for the privilege. In addition, professional race teams' public relations representatives will also have to pay a fee.

NASCAR has long successfully charged PR reps a fee that allows them into the garage area and other places at the track to do their job of publicizing the race teams. That sanctioning body also tried, unsuccessfully, to charge photographers who sold their work commercially.

However, DRO was told that any photographer or writer contributing his or her work exclusively to a magazine wouldn't be charged. That was a relief to the DRO CFO. We would have had a hard time paying both the freelancers and NHRA to cover their events. [7-6-2004]

LAWSUIT DISMISSED

Word reaching the Agent's desk finds that Top Fuel veteran Rance McDaniel's lawsuit against Champion Speed Shop team owner Bob McLennan, nitro tuner Tony Bernardini, the NHRA, and Firebird Raceway has been dismissed. The suit was over McDaniel's crash in the Champion Speed Shop nostalgia dragster on August 11, 2002 during the Nightfire Nationals at Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho. Presiding Judge John F. Herlihy of Santa Clara (CA) Superior Court indicated that by signing a standard Release of Liability form McDaniel knew the risks involved and had no basis for the suit.

The crash, which left McDaniel unconscious in critical condition with severe head injuries, was the result of a violent engine explosion and crash into the guardrail.

"It was a tragic accident and we all feel horrible about it," McLennan said. "We are a real tight fraternity and that lawsuit should have never been filed, it was just wrong."(photo by Bill Groak) [7-2-2004]

TOO MUCH FREY-D FOOD?

Missing in action at the Sears Craftsman Nationals was the Agent's favorite NHRA announcer, Bob Frey, who was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer. We hear he's doing better, but we won't give you his address for cards or emails -- the guy he sold his Aspen to is still trying to track him down. [7-2-2004]

PAPPY'S LAST SALUTE

Drag racing pioneer C.J. "Pappy" Hart was laid to rest on July 1 in Santa Ana, CA by a hundred or so friends and family members. The pallbearers were one of CJ's grandsons, former starter Larry Sutton, photographer John Ewald, car builder Doug Kruse and DRO contributor Dave Wallace. Among other people paying their respects were 'TV' Tommy Ivo, NHRA Founder Wally Parks, Dale Pulde, Bob Muravez, Ed Justice and drag racing's first lady, Linda Vaughn.

Pastor Ken Owen led the service in a celebration of the 93-year-old's life as a father, friend, promoter, pioneer and car guy with colorful stories from "Pappy's" longtime friends. After the service, Ronnie Rapp helped fire John Ewald's BankAmericar dragster at the graveside in a fitting last cackle tribute to Hart.

Hart's family requests that a donation be made to the Drag Racing Association of Women in CJ's name. drawfasthelp.org (photo by Darr Hawthorne) [7-2-2004]