BAZEMORE CALLS IT QUITS AS A SCRIBE

The Agent was recently doing a little Web surfing and noticed that Whit Bazemore has pulled the plug on a monthly column he began contributing late last season to DRO rival CompetitionPlus.com. Just as DRO's Ian Tocher predicted in his own latest column, the PC police, through NHRA penalties and team orders, got to the (previously) outspoken Funny Car ace.

"... the events at the end of last year have caused me to question the wisdom of sharing my views from within the sport," Bazemore wrote. "My intention has been to discuss all kinds of issues and situations in the sport, but to turn this column into a fluff piece that continuously extols the virtues of our team and our sponsors is not something that many people would find interesting."

Kudos to Bazemore for opting not to create a monthly marketing piece, but it's sad to see another insider's voice silenced only because the powers that be think drag racing fans are too fickle, fragile, or foolish to handle the truth. (Jeff Burk photo) [1-24-2005]

NEW MATCO TOOLS FUNNY CAR DROPS IN ON HORSEPOWER TV

Don Schumacher Racing's Matco Tools Iron Eagle Dodge Stratus Funny Car team took some time out en route to Las Vegas testing to appear on Horsepower TV and debut its new purple paint scheme. Created in-house by Matco Tools graphic designer Dwayne Scott, the new purple color scheme is the latest in a long line of dramatic designs that Matco Tools has commissioned for its Funny Cars over the years.

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"Matco Tools has always been noted for having some of the best-looking cars in the field and we wanted to continue that tradition in 2005 with the new purple design," said John Torok, manager, motorsports marketing, for Matco Tools. "Last year's car celebrated Matco Tools' 25th anniversary, so we selected purple for 2005 and also moved the Iron Eagle to the front fender. We have had good feedback on the color and we look forward to the collectibles being delivered in March."

Lee Beard, crew chief of this car driven by Whit Bazemore, appeared with the car on the Horsepower TV set with host Joe Elmore for a show that will feature a comparison of the Funny Car to a street car the show's crew is supercharging. Horsepower TV appears Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. ET on the Spike Network, with this show airing June 4 and 5.

Hmmm...wonder what the Royal Purple people have to say about this color. (photo courtesy Schumacher Racing) [1-24-2005]