SNOWMAN RETURNING TO COMPETITION

The Agent spoke with legendary Texas racer Gene Snow who let it be known that he will be returning to drag racing in 2006 after the “blow-over" in his injected fuel car during testing last year at the Texas Motorplex. Snow won’t be between the pipes when the season starts, but will have former crewman Spencer Massey driving with Snow doing the tuning. They will run NHRA division races and selected national events.

ADVERTISEMENT

Snow also told DRO that he was building his first bodied car in around 30 years. “I ordered a Cadillac Coupe door car from Texas builder Joe Monden," Snow said. "I’m building the car to run in the ADRL’s Pro Extreme class and the car will be powered by an injected, nitro-burning Hemi.” Snow hopes to have the car in time to run at least a couple of the ADRL national events this season. [1-06-2006]

BOB HEDMAN PASSES AWAY

Bob Hedman, founder of Hedman Hedders, died on Jan. 1, 2006 after a long bout with cancer. Hedman, 81, started a small muffler business in Culver City, CA, and grew it into the largest manufacturer of production headers in the world. He was inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame in 1987.

Ron Funfar, Hedman's President, said, "Bob Hedman may be gone, but we will ensure that his good name will forever be associated with quality, honor, and success in the automotive industry." (photo courtesy Bill Groak) [1-06-2006]

ROY HILL IN TOP FUEL?

The Agent hears that Roy Hill is seriously looking at having a nitro team in addition to his Pro Mod team. He has signed journeyman driver Tommy Gray for his Pro Mod team for 2006, but the Agent hears he has also ordered a new transporter built specifically for a fuel car operation. Rumor has it a driver and track promoter from the Southeast may be part of the proposed deal. [1-06-2006]

KENNEDALE DRAGSTRIP GETTING IMPROVEMENTS

The Agent got a call from Texas operative Bubba Corzine saying that the management at the eighth-mile Kennedale track, which hosts the ADRL World Finals in October, is improving the track for the upcoming season. More track lighting, an FM radio broadcast, and other improvements are being done for the 2006 season.

The Agent made his first visit to the fabled Texas track last year and has just one request: how about adding beer to the concession stand menu. C’mon, Texas outlaw drag racing and no Shiner Bock or LSD (that’s Lone Star Draft to you non-Texans). [1-06-2006]

OHIO CRANKSHAFT BACKS RUSTY COOK

Pro Mod team owner Stan Ray’s Ohio Crankshaft company has signed as a major sponsor for racer Rusty Cook. Cook has won numerous national and divisional races in the “Super” classes. Ohio Crankshaft will be furnishing Cook with one of their in-house-built Brodix-headed big-inch engines for his Corvette.

Scott Ray, OC sales manager, said, "We are thrilled to be associated with Rusty's program. He is a winner, both as a person and a racer, and will help us gain insight into engine requirements at the highest level of Super class racing."

A tip of the Agent’s DRO cap to the OC gang for supporting sportsman racers. Now, about that 500-inch small block the Agent needs for his ex-Marathon Cab-bodied Pro Modified. . . . [1-06-2006]

KOLKMEYER CROWNED SCSS CHAMP

Kevin Kolkmeyer was crowned the 2005 Southside City Speed Shop Street Car Shootout Series Champion during the 39th annual Gateway International Raceway Awards Banquet. Kolkmeyer’s nitrous oxide-injected 2002 Chevrolet Camaro qualified at all 15 events he attended and earned the title over 3,049 other entries which participated in the 23-race series. His season championship was the first SCSS series title for a General Motors driver. (Bret Kepner photo) [1-06-2006]