SMITH MEETS WITH FORCE AND OTHERS AT VEGAS

Bruton Smith was seen going into the John Force hospitality bus at Las Vegas and was rumored to have meet with several other prominent team owners and drivers but not with Don Schumacher. An NHRA management type was in the Force compound and left in a hurry as soon as Mr. Smith came in. The Agent thinks that NHRA management would be more anxious to spend time with a man that owns three NHRA national event tracks. [10-24-2005]

IHRA PREZ ATTENDS LAS VEGAS RACE

Aaron Polburn was in attendance at Las Vegas as a spectator and reportedly turned down an opportunity to watch from a suite, instead choosing to sit in the grandstands with the rest of the fans. Polburn was reportedly at Vegas to attend the AMS/TLIR Pro Mod banquet and lobby for Dave Wood to bring his series and money to the IHRA. The announcement of a three-year extension for the NHRA Pro Mod series before the banquet couldn't have made Polburn happy. (DRO file photo by Roger Richards) [10-24-2005]

FRANKIE P NEEDS RETREAD?

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Frank Pedregon told the Agent that, as of Las Vegas, his Toyo tire deal wasn't being picked up for the 2006 season. Toyo has an interest in drag racing, but the tire exclusivity in NHRA's professional classes is keeping Toyo from selling tires to those competitors, and they may not be back.

It is interesting to note that originally Pedregon had painted his tires black over the Goodyear logo until Goodyear complained and forced him to show the Goodyear livery on his tires. (Bret Kepner photo) [10-24-2005]

FORCE WILL DRIVE AT LEAST UNTIL HE IS 61

The Agent found out that John Force is not going to get out of the seat of his Castrol/Ford-backed Ford Mustang Funny Car anytime soon. According to his spokesman, his current contract will keep him in the driver's seat until his 61st birthday. And the Agent will be enjoying the top end interviews for many years to come.

Planning ahead for the next generation, Force not only had his Funny Car team entered in the NHRA race at the Strip at Las Vegas, but also had daughters Brittany and Courtney entered in their first Super Comp competition. Uncharacteristically for the Force racing empire, every car was gone from competition after the second round on Sunday. (Jeff Burk photo) [10-24-2005]