MAZZ MAY BE RETIRED, BUT HE'S STILL STRANGE

John Mazzarella, or Mazz as he is known to most everyone, recently announced his retirement from his job at Strange Engineering. In a letter to DRO (edited to protect the innocent and not so innocent) he says, "December 5th, 2005, marked a new beginning in my life. After starting with Don Garlits in 1968 and continuing to expand my childhood dream of performance automobiles, I have retired from the daily grind. My life has been a fantasy-come-true tutored by the top employers of the automotive industry; Don Garlits, Frank Huszar (RCS), Carroll Shelby, Louie Senter (Ansen), Jack Clifford (6=8), SEMA, Wally Parks (NHRA) and Bob, Jeff and Mike Stange (Strange Engineering). I have met so many people that have become my family while on tour of trade shows, seminars, open houses and of course, drag races. I want to thank each and every one of you for making all my dreams come true. From NHRA, IHRA, AHRA, and all the other 'RA’s' I have loved every day encompassed by power and speed. All the stories about 'The Fast Lane' are grossly exaggerated - and true. I’ve lived them all and cherish the memories.

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I am riding off with the Gulf breeze on my left and the sun sparkling off the water on my right. I can still hear the cheering and laughter behind me. And while I’m still at speed, I’m smiling the biggest smile with the thunder of the pipes in my ears and a fabulous rest-of-my-life ahead.”

As for the writers and photographers who looked upon visiting John and the “Strange Bus” as an oasis of relief in the pits of NHRA events where we could rest, refuel and get the latest news, we’re are going to miss Mazz the most. Look for a Martin Chronicle in the near future commenting on the departure of and impact that Mazz had on the sport during his tenure in the sport. (file photo by Jeff Burk) [12-15-2005]

POSTAGE DUE?

Just a reminder that first-class postage will be going up to 39 cents on Jan. 8, 2006. So, save yourself a couple of pennies and get those end-of-the-month checks in the mail -- especially those to DRO! [12-15-2005]

THE AGENT STANDS CORRECTED

When talking to the folks at G-Force Race Cars concerning the type of Pro Mod that Mike Janis is having built, Jim Salemi said Cobalt and the Agent wrote Stratus. Thanks to the Agent's buddy Bobby Bennett for bringing that to our attention. One of the reasons for the change to the Cobalt being built is that Janis’s primary sponsor is Eaton Industries which apparently furnishes the superchargers for GM and GM’s supercharged Cobalt SS models. Hey, the Agent hasn't been able to identify a body style since the Edsel went out of production. [12-15-2005]