FRY SETS FIRSTS AT CHRR

Saturday of the California Hot Rod Reunion XIII found AA/FD pilot Mendy Fry making a remarkable first during the afternoon qualifying session.  The driver of the Barrick Gaming Corporation's Mastercam/Plaza Hotel & Casino Top Fuel Dragster ran a 5.874/251.32 pass grabbing the #5 slot in front of her new sponsor Dave Barrick. With that run, Mendy became the first woman to pilot a front-motored nitro dragster in the 5's and make a pass over the 250 mph mark.

ADVERTISEMENT

After the run, 35-year-old Fry noted, "I had the best seat in the house!" Unfortunately the Mastercam dragster's engine gave up on the top end and without a back-up in the trailer, she was unable to appear in that evening's first round of eliminations. (Zak Hawthorne photo)  [10-5-2004]

DRAG BOAT RACER KILLED

John Hipwell of the Madness Top Fuel Hydro team was killed in a racing accident October 3 at Lake Yosemite near Merced, CA. The New Jersey racer was competing in an International Hot Boat Association annual event when his boat spun out of control at 201 mph. So far, the cause of the accident has not been determined. A fund has been established for his wife, Jo-Ann, and to help with funeral expenses. For more information phone Ron Braaksma at 909-886-3298. [10-5-2004]

MOROSO MEDICAL LIBRARY ESTABLISHED

The Dick Moroso Resident Library has been established by the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine to honor the late founder of Moroso Performance Products and Moroso Motorsports Park. Moroso lost his battle with cancer in November 1998, but his life was prolonged by the staff of the hospital.

To make a tax-deductible donation for renovations to the library, make the check payable to: UMB Foundation/Neurosurgery Fund. Send to Moroso Library, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Development Office, 100 N. Green St., Suite 600, Baltimore, MD 21201. A gift receipt will be mailed to you for your tax records and your name will be added to a plaque displayed in the library. (photo courtesy Rick Moroso) [10-4-2004]