KALITTA EXTENDS GRUBNIC CONTRACT

The Agent hears from one of his Michigan operatives that David Grubnic will receive a three-year contract extension with Kalitta Motorsports to be announced sometime in the next week.

Since joining the Kalitta camp in 2004, "Grubby" won the 2004 Budweiser Top Fuel Shootout, made it to seven Top Fuel finals, nailed six No. 1 qualifier positions, and earlier this year won his first event at Topeka defeating Larry Dixon. (Bret Kepner photo) [10-12-2005]

FOUR NOMINATED FOR 'ROAD TO THE FUTURE' AWARD

Four NHRA rookie drivers, representative of all four pro categories, have been selected as the nominees for the 2005 Automobile Club of Southern California Road to the Future Award. Jack Beckman (Top Fuel), Chip Ellis (Pro Stock Motorcycle), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Robert Hight (Funny Car) were nominated for the award, which annually recognizes the top rookie competitor in the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and offers a $20,000 prize and trophy to the winner. [10-12-2005]

OSWALD DOING DOUBLE DUTY AT THE ROCK

Mark Oswald, who is the tuner/crew chief on Mike Ashley's Fuel Coupe, will also serve rookie Top Fuel pilot Terry McMillen in the same capacity. McMillin, who normally campaigns the "InstiGator" IHRA alky funny car, recently got his Top Fuel license and will make his national event debut as a driver at the IHRA World Finals at Rockingham. [10-12-2005]

KNOLL REALLY STEPS UP TO THE PLATE

Evan Knoll, president and owner of Torco Race Fuels, SKULL GEAR and Knoll Gas, had previously announced that he would be feeding the racers, their family, the IHRA staff, and pit crews at Rockingham for one day. Now he has tuned up his program and will feed the groups all three days of the event. Knoll said, "I want to throw a party that resembles the tremendous season we have had here at Torco Race Fuels."

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He also committed to supplying a free drum of Torco Pro Nitro to every Top Fuel entry at the IHRA World Finals as well. "These guys have poured their hearts and souls into this class this year," Knoll said of the Top Fuel drivers. "This is my way of saying 'Thank you' to them."

Stunned by Knoll's largesse, the Agent must say No, Mr. Knoll, it is the racers, the fans and the rest of us in the sport who should be thanking you. (And please save me some potato salad.) [10-12-2005]