TIME FOR THE OPTOMETRIST?

Agent 1320 had been hearing a rumor about Roland Leong fielding his own team in the near future, so he called the crafty Hawaiian to get the straight story. Asked if he was contemplating a move back into the current flopper wars, Leong said, "Not that I know of at this time. I've got a couple of people who are interested in me running their program if they have a deal, but as far as me actively looking for a sponsor, not really."

About joining another owner's team the Hawaiian added, "You know it depends if I feel, number one, they have the right budget, but to me it's all about having the people. A lot of people have got the money out there, the money to get the parts, but that's like having only 50 percent. It's important to find the team you can work with, 'cause not everybody can work with everybody, but you have to be on the same page. I don't want a yes man, I want compatible people -- that's the biggest trick of all."

When asked of a rumored purchase by Roland of one of Snake's surplus funny car chassis and body, "No, some guy says he saw me pick up a (funny) car and drive off with it. Oh wow, whoever that guy is, the f****er needs some glasses." (Jeff Burk photo) [1-11-2005]

'LIVING LEGENDS' JAN. 15 AT PARKS MUSEUM

Ed Iskenderian, founder of Isky Racing Cams and a SEMA Hall of Fame member, has been added to the aftermarket star-studded "Living Legends" panel discussion set for Saturday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona, CA. Iskenderian, known as the "Camfather," joins other racing and performance icons such as Vic Edelbrock, Jr.; Wally Parks, founder of the NHRA; Alex Xydias, founder of the So-Cal Speed Shop; and Ed Pink, the highly respected engine builder in fields as diverse as fuel funny cars and USAC midgets.

"This is a rare opportunity to learn how the speed equipment business went from a group of ingenious young men who made parts for their own cars into the multi-billion dollar industry we know today," said Greg Sharp, curator of the museum.

The panel discussion, an extension of the Museum's newest special exhibit, Edelbrock: A Performance Legacy, will focus on the heroes and legends from the early days of Southern California racing and the performance industry. The program, part of the Museum's "Living History" agenda, will explore the development of the speed equipment industry and how it has influenced American motorsports and automotive enthusiasm.

The discussion will be moderated by legendary NHRA announcer Dave McClelland, and surprise guests are also expected. Tickets for the event are $20 and include a light buffet lunch. For information, contact Kat Lotz at (909) 622-8562. (Jeff Burk photo) [1-11-2005]

RACE TECH TO SPONSOR 'FREE RIDE' PROGRAM

Racers competing in IHRA's Division 2 Heat Wave on the Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour will have something special to look forward to. Race Tech Race Cars will sponsor the Race Tech "Free Ride" program, which will award every Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour event winner in Division 2 free car and driver entry for every Division 2 event in 2006. Race Tech will also give away a free car to one lucky Division 2 racer at the end of the season. The program will be open to all event competitors in any of the seven Mr. Gasket Pro-Am points classes in Division 2.

In addition to awarding Division 2 car and driver entry fees for 2006, Race Tech Race Cars will also be giving out a brand new Race Tech Dragster to one lucky Division 2 competitor. Every racer that competes in any Division 2 Heat Wave event will be eligible to win. At each Division 2 event, one tech card will be drawn from each IHRA Mr. Gasket points class that will advance to the final draw. The 42 winning cards will be placed together at the final event at Carolina Dragway and one card will be selected as the winner of the Race Tech Race Cars 240" Top Dragster base car valued at over $10,000. [1-11-2005]

MAGAZINE TO SPONSOR TRUE STREET CLASS

Popular Hot Rodding magazine has joined with the PRO-Edelbrock Drag Racing Series to become the official presenting sponsor of the MSD True Street class. Beginning this year the category will be officially re-named MSD True Street presented by Popular Hot Rodding.

In 2005, MSD True Street competition will be held at all eight NMCA events, and these street-legal competitors will be asked to complete a 30-mile drive on city and highway streets before racing. All entrants are required to have fully street-legal vehicles, including registration, license, insurance, and state i.d. sticker. [1-11-2005]