LISTEN TO THE DULCET TONES

On the radio in Denver this weekend, DRO's West Coast Editor Darr Hawthorne will make a visit to Race Central with Kurt Hansen. The popular hour-long motorsports show airs on Colorado's 560ESPN. Whenever drag racing is on John Bandimere's Thunder Mountain you can be sure that Kurt will have lots to say. Catch all the action Sunday, July 18 at 9:00 a.m. (MST) on 560ESPN. [7-15-2004]

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

The Agent hears that in the wake of Darrell Russell's untimely death there was a generous offer made directly to NHRA tech execs. General Motors offered to make their aero engineers and wind tunnels available to NHRA in order to help develop a safer Top Fuel dragster. And GM doesn't even sell the 300-inch monsters!

To date there has been no acceptance from Glendora. This would seem like a no-brainer to the Agent. Why wouldn't NHRA take advantage of this expertise and facilities immediately? [7-15-2004]

VICK JOINING AMS TEAM WITH NITROUS CAR?

The Agent just got word that the AMS Staff Leasing race trailer has been parked in front of Steve Vick's shop for the better part of a week. The Agent's operative says that AMS will be adding Vick's Camaro to their stable and that the two-car team of Vick and Troy Critchley's supercharged Willys will debut at the next AMS Staff Leasing event at the NHRA national event at Memphis Aug 20-24. Looks like Dave Woods is going to personally make sure that there will be nitrous cars at his races. Vick went to the final round at the IHRA race Virginia so he is a contendah! (Jeff Burk photo) [7-15-2004]

.000!!! PRO LIGHTS

Word comes to the Agent that Pro Streeter Mary Baltzell driving her nitrous oxide-injected, big block-powered, powerglide-equipped "Poncho," had a pretty remarkable race day at a recent Pro Edelbrock race at Bowling Green, KY. Seems like the talented distaff racer had not one but two .000 reaction times during eliminations. Unfortunately, she didn't win the event but she obviously made it tough on the winner.

While the Agent is on the subject of .000 reaction time for Pro drivers there is one Top Fuel driver that he knows of that had a perfect light. First one to answer correctly -- Bret Kepner excluded -- wins an ultra-rare DRO embroidered baseball hat. [7-15-2004]