UTTERBACK SETS ‘CACTUS’ RECORDS

Weekend action found some of the DRO crew headed to Tucson for the Cactus Clash with four Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars joining the CIFCA set for two rounds of match races. The CIFCA race was won by the AMP Motorsports team of Tom Abbott, Mike Motter and Paul Peterson in their second race victory of the season.

After a first round loss, DRO Nostalgia columnist Jeff “Mr. Pammy” Utterback piloted Jeff Gaynor’s ‘70 Nitro Cuda to a second round match race victory over Mike Adams vintage Vette. Adams ran a 6.67 at 218 mph while Utterback ran a strong 6.57 at 222.55 and got the win light, setting low ET and Top Speed for the nostalgia nitro cars. Mr. Pammy noted that Gaynor backed it down for the final run to a mere 95% in the tank. DRO photog Zak Hawthorne has joined the crew and will make the trek to St. Louis for the Funny Car Nationals on September 10-12.  (Zak Hawthorne photo)  [8-24-2004]

SHIRLEY OUT OF HALL OF FAME? SAY IT AIN’T SO!

DRO was told by one of Don Garlits’ Hall of Fame selectors at Memphis that Shirley Muldowney has resigned from the selection committee and asked that her name also be taken off of the roles of that Hall of Fame.

According to the selector, Ms. Muldowney was incensed that in a book Don Garlits penned with ESPN talent Bill Stephens, Garlits mentioned an incident where Shirley allegedly had some fisticuffs. Muldowney’s traits of taking no guff from anyone and being totally capable of defending herself have made her the legend she is. She can and has taken care of herself many times over the years. There are many instances of male Hall-of-Fame drivers, tuners, and owners getting in fist fights over the years and no one has ever held that against them. Shirley Muldowney is a Hall of Famer regardless of whether she has punched out anyone, and she always will be. (Jeff Burk photo) [8-24-2004]

DRAGSTOCK: WOODSTOCK WITH CARS?

Kenny Nowling’s two-day, doorslammer extravaganza of an Outlaw Pro Mod race that is going to happen October 8-9 at Carolina Dragway now has a new title: DragStock. Nowling, who is beginning to remind the Agent of a drag racing version of boxing promoter Don King, seemingly adds something new to the “happening” every day. According to Nowling he has over 65 entries for the unique team event where 11 “outlaw” drivers will compete against 11 AMS drivers.

The Agent is amazed at the buzz this event is generating and the amount of entries, despite the fact that an official purse has yet to be announced. Stay tuned to Agent 1320 for more details as they become available. [8-24-2004]