CAPPS LEAVING PRUDHOMME CAMP

Although the story was earlier denied, the Agent has heard from one of his most reliable operatives that indeed Ron Capps will not be driving a flopper for Don Prudhomme Racing in 2005.

Contrary to some chitchat roaring around the pits and on the Internet, there was no big blowout fight between Snake and Capps, and his name was not removed from the car after failing to qualify. The two nitro veterans spent a couple of hours talking together on Saturday evening of the Route 66 event but it is clear that the Snake will only be fielding one Skoal-sponsored fuel coupe next season with Tommy Johnson Jr. in the seat. Capps will remain with the Skoal Racing Green team through the World Finals at Pomona.

While Ron has spoken with a couple of other pro owners, no driving job is firmed-up and there are no contracts on his table. The same operative also said that in the off-season Capps may have a test shot at a NASCAR Craftsman Truck ride and a couple of opportunities in an open wheel seat, but assured the Agent that Capps' heart is in nitro funnies. (Zak Hawthorne photo) [10-5-2004]

FORCE'S INCREMENTALS

Here are the incrementals for John Force's record-setting run at Joliet: 0.873 (60-ft); 2.257 (330-ft); 3.208/268.01 mph (660-ft); 3.994 (1,000-ft); 4.665/333.58 mph (1320-ft). [10-5-2004]

TOP FUELERS TESTING SPEED CONTROLLERS

One of the Agent's Chicago area operatives called to say that after the NHRA national event at Chicago (Joliet) was completed, NHRA tested a new version of their Top Fuel magneto-style ignition system designed to limit the Top Speed of the Top Fuel and Fuel Funny cars. The device, which is the brainchild of NHRA Director of Top Fuel & Funny Car Racing Ray Alley, was tested by the Mike Kloeber-tuned Werner Enterprises Top Fueler after the Kalitta camp reportedly decided not to participate.

According to our operative, the device limited the Top Speed to something under 320 mph in testing. If this device works as advertised and prevents Top Fuel and Funny Cars from exceeding the 320-mph limit, it will go a long way toward making the cars much safer—which is a good thing. It will certainly make speed records a thing of the past in the fuel classes and mark yet the end of another era in drag racing. Since NHRA long ago did away with awarding points for speed records, this probably will only irritate a few diehard older fans. (DRO file photo by Ron Lewis) [10-5-2004]