ATTENTION MOPAR MANIACS

The third annual "Mopar Big Block Party" will take to the streets of downtown Golden, Colo., Thursday, July 15, at 6 p.m. MST. The party will feature a free concert by the band 10,000 Maniacs and a large Mopar-only car show.

Mopar drivers including Darrell Alderman, Whit Bazemore, Allen Johnson, Larry Morgan and Gary Scelzi will be available to sign autographs from approximately 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Capping off the evening will be a performance by platinum-selling rock group 10,000 Maniacs. The band is scheduled to begin playing just after 8 p.m. [7-9-2004]

STREET CHALLENGE ADDED TO VEGAS EVENT

Garrett, a leading manufacturer of turbochargers, intercoolers, and turbo kits, has been named the title sponsor of the July 16-17 NHRA Sport Compact Nationals at The Strip at

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Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A special Street Challenge category has been added to the event. This will be the first time that street racers have had the opportunity to compete in grudge-style drag racing at an NHRA-sanctioned national event.

The Street Challenge will be open to the first 100 sport compact/import cars at the racer credential gate on Saturday, July 17. Entries will open 4 p.m. Entry fee is $25 and no pre-entries will be accepted.

"This will be a very important test for the future of the NHRA Sport Compact Series," said Chris Blair, LVMS senior director of drag racing operations. "Several other tracks across the country are interested in this street legal class and, if it works in Las Vegas, it may be adopted at all events on the NHRA Sport Compact tour. [7-9-2004]

SCELZI TO GET WINDY WITH DESPAIN

Gary Scelzi, driver of the HEMI-powered Oakley Dodge Stratus R/T Funny, will appear on Speed Channel's Wind Tunnel as guest of host Dave Despain on Tuesday, July 13. The three-time Top Fuel champion is No. 4 in the Funny Car point standings and is the most recent winner, at Gateway International Raceway. He will appear on Wind Tunnel live from his Scelzi Enterprises offices in Fresno, Calif. Send your E-MAIL questions to windtunnel@speedtv.com or call 1-866-W-TUNNEL from 10pm-11pm ET Monday-Thursday night to be a part of the live call-in portions of the show. [7-9-2004]

BAILEY HONORED

Rich Bailey, driver of the Capitol Auto Group Dragster, has been selected by President Bush's Council on Service and Civic Participation to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award. Bailey, who races in the Top Comp class and resides in Salem, Oregon, was chosen to receive this honor because of his work with the Race Against Drugs program (RAD).

RAD is a nationwide organization that uses the excitement of all forms of motorpsorts to educate kids on the dangers of using drugs. "We are honored to have Rich Bailey as a spokesperson, and proud to present him with this award for his outstanding support of this important program and its message to youth." said Ron Steger, President of Race Against Drugs, which is based in Daytona Florida.

The Capitol Auto Group race team hosts many community events each year including: don't drink and drive school events, cub scout events, and also hosts kids with cancer at selected drag racing events in Oregon. [7-9-2004]