.000 TOP FUEL REACTION TIMES

The Agent asked if anyone knew which Top Fuel racer had a perfect reaction time in competition and that we would send a hat to the anal retentive reader who knew the answer. Well, it turns out that not only were there two racers who had perfect reaction times -- Chris Karamesines at Atlanta in 2002 and Paul Romine at Seattle in 2003 -- but three readers who knew the answers. David Pace and Tex Cooper knew Karamesines, and Wayne Darlington knew the Romine answer. So, we're splitting the hat three ways. [7-20-2004]

THE NEXT PRO STOCK?

Chevy's 2005 Cobalt SS was introduced at the LA Auto Show earlier this year. It's the replacement for the Cavalier in dealer showrooms and may also be the replacement on the drag strip for GM Racing. However, the new body specs for the racing version have not yet been made available to NHRA's Tech Department. Since those specs will determine the configuration for Pro Stock chassis builders, they must gain prior approval for competition next season.

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The Agent hears that one of the reasons for the delay is that there will also be a new Mopar for 2005 and, since the body specs are so critical, neither GM nor Mopar wants to submit their information first, much to the frustration of Don Taylor, NHRA's Senior Director of National Technical Operations, who cannot get either car company to deliver. Taylor's previous job was at GM where he was responsible for drag racing, sport compact tuner, and motorsports safety programs.

The Agent also hears the delay may be caused by a pending decision whether GM Racing will field any Chevrolet in Pro Stock for 2005 or may just stick with the Pontiac Grand Am. The new Cobalt SS may be relegated to sport compact drag racing only. (Darr Hawthorne photo) [7-20-2004]