SCHUMACHER ADDS THIRD FUNNY CAR

Multi-team owner Don Schumacher announced he will add a third Funny Car to the Don Schumacher Racing stable as a research and development vehicle for the remainder of the 2004 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series season, beginning with the NHRA U.S. Nationals Sept. 1-6.

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Johnny Gray of Carlsbad, N.M., is slated to drive the Dodge Stratus Funny Car, which he will test at the official NHRA test days at Indianapolis Raceway Park the week following the Memphis NHRA race Sept. 22.

Dan Olson, currently the co-crew chief on Whit Bazemore's Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus and Gary Scelzi's HEMI-powered Oakley Dodge Stratus, will be crew chief.

"Our goal is, and has always been, to win championships," said Schumacher, "and we are close to accomplishing that feat this season with both Whit Bazemore and Gary Scelzi in the Funny Car class. While Scelzi has moved up in the standings to fourth after a slow start to the season, Bazemore and his team have struggled in recent events to hold onto second place after leading the point standings.

"With a third Funny Car in the mix, we will be able to experiment with a new chassis, different combinations, setups and parts and work on developing parts and pieces for a new program in 2005. This should benefit both teams this year in their chase for the Funny Car championship," Schumacher said. [8-11-2004]

PULDE GETS UPGRADED TO FIRST CLASS

After some confusion over the rules and guidelines concerning his license being current for NHRA Fuel Coupe competition, Dale Pulde's competition license has been re-activated and he is cleared for national event competition. In light of the new 85% nitro rule, the NHRA Competition Committee has changed the upgrade/activation minimums to a 5.50 e.t. at 250 mph or quicker. However, that same committee will no longer allow license runs at NHRA national events, since, "It causes too much confusion."

"This proves we did get into the (Sonoma) program," said Pulde (above), who will pilot Steve Plueger's single pump, single mag Pontiac nitro Funny Car again at both the Las Vegas NHRA Nationals and the Pomona World Finals. (Zak Hawthorne photo) [8-10-2004]