CARPENTER REPAIRS '55

Nine weeks ago, Charles Carpenter wrecked his "World's Fastest '55" at a Quick 8 race at Coastal Plains Dragway in Jacksonville, NC. Carpenter was uninjured in his first accident in 28 years of racing, but the Chevy Bel-Air's front end and right side were almost completely demolished (shown above). Carpenter will soon be back in competition in his newly repaired Pro Mod, first at a July 17 Quick 8 race at Mooresville (NC) Dragway and then at the IHRA Northern Nationals in Martin, Michigan August 12-14. [7-12-2004]

SITTING ONE OUT

After experiencing the effect of the 40-pound weight addition imposed on the V-Twins at the Sears Craftsman Nationals, George Bryce and George Smith of G Squared Motorsports will not attend the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals in Denver.

"It's obvious that the 40-pounds have had a greater impact than we initially thought the weight would have and we need additional time to prepare as a result of the change," said Smith. "Prior to George Bryce and I forming G Squared Motorsports, he and Jackie (Bryce) had a remarkable track record over the last 188 consecutive NHRA national event entries with 61 No. 1 qualifiers, 110 final rounds and 67 wins. The reason that the record is so good is Star Racing was more prepared than anyone else to win. We know we have an outstanding package with the G2/S&S/Star Racing Buell and the S&S V-Twin engine has shown great durability and has tremendous potential. I'm not used to losing and neither is George Bryce, and it's our intent to continue the winning tradition at G Squared."

The two Georges are in Viola, WI this coming weekend meeting with the S&S Cycle R&D Department to discuss options. They will also be present at the Hot Bike S&S 124 VFI Ultimate Challenge Shootout at the Tri-State Raceway in Earlville, Iowa, with the 2003 #46 Tribute Street Pro bike doing exhibition runs. [7-12-2004]

COLE LEAVES IHRA

Steve Cole has resigned as editor of IHRA's Drag Review to become the Communications Manager of Flaming River Industries, Inc. Cole will handle media relations management, oversight of consumer instructional and technical documents, website materials and internal communications for the Berea, OH company. Flaming River manufactures steering systems and electrical system safety products for street and motorsports applications. [7-12-2004]

PAGING DOCTOR GILBERTSON

Geri Durbin, a physical education teacher, and Jeremy Oldham, an auto technician, have been chosen as nitro interns for Bob Gilbertson's Trick Tank Funny Car team for the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals this weekend at Bandimere Speedway near Denver. The internship program allows a pair of drag racing fans at each event on the NHRA POWERade tour the opportunity to experience what it's like to be a part of a professional drag racing team and actually work on the race car.

"We've had a great group of interns so far this season," said Gilbertson. "The whole team is very happy with the way this program has turned out and how hard all of them worked. Being an independent team we need all the help we can get and I'm sure that Geri and Jeremy are up to the challenge." [7-12-2004]