DENSHAM GETS A BRICK

Funny Car driver Gary Densham has signed collectibles company Racebricks as sponsor of his Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Densham, who spent the last four years with John Force Racing, was facing the prospect of parking his ride after the season-opening NHRA CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals. Now his plans have changed.

Racebricks are three-dimensional, laser-etched designs of racecars, movie stars, corporate logos, and animals cut into a glass brick that is then mounted on an illuminated stand.

"We're thrilled to have Gary Densham representing our product and our company," said Racebricks CEO Marty Yacoobian Jr. "He's the consummate professional who always presents an upbeat attitude. He's perfect for us. We're just getting started but the Racebricks have really taken off in NASCAR, where we're an officially-sponsored product. Now it's time to see what can happen in the NHRA."

Densham, who won eight times over the last four years, including the 50th annual U.S. Nationals last September, has re-hired his former crew chief, Greg Amaral, to tune the Racebricks Chevrolet Monte Carlo. He also has David Gaterell on his crew but will now begin a search for additional help. Densham will also receive support form Auto Club, Lucas Oil, Craftsman Tools, and Centennial Batteries.

"I learned you can never have enough sponsorship help and you can never stop looking for sponsorship dollars," Densham said. "These things run on money and the more you have the more races you have a chance of winning. It's as simple as that." (Jeff Burk photo) [1-26-2005]

BENZA, MARTINO TEAM UP

Northeast drag racing veterans Tom Martino and Bob Benza have joined forces for 2005 to field at least one Pro Stock car with Benza driving and Martino tuning their handmade powerplants. The duo has tentative plans to race at 15 national events.

ADVERTISEMENT

Martino is a four-time winner in the class with multiple top-10 finishes in the POWERade points. He's always been very involved in engine development and he and Benza now have a line of new motors prepared for competition.

A bridge builder by trade, Benza has been racing part-time in the Pro Stock class since 1997. Prior to that, the Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., native enjoyed plenty of success competing regionally in Comp and Modified Eliminator. He won the Summer Nationals in 1986 and took runner-up honors at the U.S. Nationals one year later.

Benza is open to Martino driving at some of the races he can't attend. Ultimately, if proper funding could be found, they'd even entertain the idea of fielding two entries.

"We're excited," Benza said. "Tom and I have been great friends for 25 years. He wasn't racing last year so he came over to help me and it just kind of went from there. We're both very driven individuals who like to succeed at whatever we do so I think we'll be able to hold our own. We won't run for the championships, but we can shake things up when we're there. That's the plan." [1-26-2005]

BADER BACK?

A rumor out of Ohio says that former IHRA prez Bill Bader may be thinking of getting back in the business with a different racetrack in the state. Once a promoter, always a promoter, eh Bill? Luckily, Mr. Bader is a good one and his return would be welcome. [1-26-2005]