THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD

As seen in exclusive Agent 1320 photos last month, Pat Foster’s re-creation of Flamin’ Frank Pedregon’s famous fuel coupe is heading to the Left Coast from Foster’s Wichita, Kansas shop.

The car is off to the paint shop and will receive a period-correct Chrysler Hemi built by nitro veteran Dale Armstrong for brothers Cruz and Tony Pedregon. The brothers were measured so both would be able to fit into the seat for the coupe’s debut at the Pomona Winternationals. Tony told the Agent he wants to make some full passes in the re-pop and have some fun with the car that pays homage to their legendary father (pictured).

After Foster follows the progress of his latest creation he’ll return to the shop to begin restoration work on a couple of Candies and Hughes floppers. [1-20-2005]

OUTLAW SERIES AT EDDYVILLE DRAGWAY

The Agent got the news that Iowa’s premier eighth-mile dragstrip will be hosting an “Outlaw” Pro Mod series in 2005. According to the report we received, the rules for the Eddyville series will allow things such as screw blowers, nitro or anything else a racer can cram under the hood of a door car. Should be interesting.

Unfortunately, they have decided to schedule some of their events on the same weekends that Gateway International in St. Louis is holding their races, which may do both races harm in their car counts. [1-20-2005]

'THE DEUCE' YOU SAY

Viewership on ESPN in 2004 increased about five percent over 2003 while ESPN2 saw a 1.6 percent increase, according to an article in Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal. The average number of viewers for ESPN was 673,000 and jumped to 1.4 million during prime-time hours. For ESPN2, the average was 227,000 with 478,000 during prime-time. [1-20-2005]

PRO STOCKS READY FOR SUPERBOWL

No, you're not going to see Warren Johnson with a football or in shoulder pads, but he will be wearing a helmet as he defends his title at the Pontiac Pro Stock SuperBowl on Feb. 5 at Houston Raceway Park. The Professor will begin his "School's Out" final year tour the following week at the NHRA season opener in Pomona, CA.

Fans should see some fast times at the Houston track, but it may not be a preview of the coming season.

"Unfortunately, the track and the conditions are so darn fast that it can give you a false sense of security," Johnson explained. "Simply put, you can't take the tuning information from here and use it in Pomona, Phoenix, or even Gainesville. It's great for the ego to run that fast, but in reality it doesn't do a lot to help you get ready for the start of the regular season."

This year's SuperBowl will mark the official debut of Houston's own Erica Enders, who will become the fifth woman ever to compete in Pro Stock. In addition, many Pro Stock Bikes and Pro Mods will be testing at the track. (Jeff Burk photo) [1-20-2005]