COVARRUBIAS JOINS NHRA

John Covarrubias has begun his duties as the new vice president of sales and business development for the National Hot Rod Association. He will oversee all NHRA sales and corporate sponsorship programs.

Covarrubias most recently served as vice president of corporate sales for Pro Sports & Entertainment, a Santa Barbara, Calif. operator and marketer of live sporting events. Prior to his stint with PSEI, Covarrubias spent eight years managing the corporate sales and servicing departments for Anaheim Sports Inc., and served in various sales capacities with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Anaheim Angels. In other positions, he worked as director of corporate sales for the San Diego Chargers, corporate account manager for the Los Angeles Kings and served as an account executive with Disney Sports Enterprises.

"I am excited about the challenges and opportunities at NHRA," said Covarrubias. "There are many similarities between my former employers and NHRA in terms of the need for an effective sales and sponsorship program to provide a solid foundation for the organization. I also look forward to servicing the existing sponsorship base and making sure we continue to exceed expectations on all current programs." (photo courtesy NHRA)  [9-17-2004]

LASCAK WINS WARRIOR FINALE; COVELL CROWNED CHAMP

The last race of the Supercharged Warriors series was held September 11 at Ohio's oldest drag strip, Thompson Drag Raceway. Dave Covell (far lane) of Ashtabula, Ohio only needed to qualify to secure his points championship.

With only one qualifying round, the Warriors had their hands full figuring out their tune up combinations for the cool evening session. "Madman" Mike Himes came the closest with a 7.82 for the top spot. Micky Hale in the Warlock '37 Chevy, John DeCort's Hemi Prowler, Joe Veschusio in the Thriller Fiat and Marty Beno in the Blown Insane Altered took the top five qualifying spots. Covell uncharacteristically qualified 9th, but it was enough to crown him champion.

Veschusio and Bob Lascak (above, near lane) met in the final and, in a very tight race, Lascak, the former Thompson track champ, came through to get a 7.82 to 7.87 win. (photo courtesy Micky Hale)  [9-17-2004]

DRAW RAISES FUNDS FOR RACERS

A tip o' the Agent's hat to the Drag Racing Association of Women, a charitable organization which helps injured racers and their families, which raised $16,000 at the U.S. Nationals. These dedicated women and men hold several fundraising events during the year. Next on their schedule is a style show and auction at the Texas Motorplex during the Sept. 23-26 Fall Nationals in Dallas. The event is at 7:00 p.m. in the Champion Club. [9-17-2004]

'CHUNKING' IS NOT A CITY IN CHINA

Tire (or tyre) chunking seems to be a problem for European Top Fuel teams also, as reported by Ivan Sansom in our Special Section coverage of the FIA European Finals. According to Sansom, at least half of the teams had problems during the race. [9-17-2004]

PRO MOD GOES WORLD-WIDE?

Word is that the FIA (Federation Internationale De L'Automobile) will be making Pro Modified a Pro class next year. Will this mean a European invasion by all the Pro Mods that can't make the eight-car "exhibition" AMS Staff Leasing Pro Mod Challenge, or will NHRA finally join IHRA and the rest of the world in making it a professional class?  [9-17-2004]