ADRL RACE DATE AT HUNTSVILLE CHANGES

In order to accommodate a possible NHRA Pro Mod schedule, ADRL’s Kenny Nowling and Huntsville Dragway’s George Howard announced that they will change the date of the Huntsville ADRL race. The new date will be June 9-10, 2006. Mark it on your calendars, ADRL fans. [12-13-2005]

FIRST THE DRIVERS' BODIES, NOW THE CARS

With many drivers in the fuel ranks going on a diet, it was inevitable that teams would put their cars' bodies on a diet too. Rumors coming to the Agent say the latest Mustang body out of the John Force camp will be 10-15 lbs lighter than the previous bodies and the new Schumacher Charger will weigh an incredible 40 lbs less than the previous Mopar body. Could one reason for the Charger body reportedly shedding some pieces during secret testing be blamed on the ultra-light body? [12-13-2005]

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT?

DRO editor Jeff Burk happened to be channel surfing last night and came across the Monster Garage episode where Roland Leong and a group of racers had the task of taking a really, really nice ’49 Anglia and turning it into a nitro burning Altered. Burk was so upset by the episode, that he asked the Agent to make a special note.

"It was bad enough that they just cut the crap out of that great old car, but after they had finished the build they couldn’t make it fire, so the project was called a failure. That was sad, but what the pinheads that do that show did next was just plain wrong," Burk said.

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Jesse James took the completed car to a junkyard and proceeded to drop a 10,000-lb weight on the car, completely destroying it!

"Watching that wanton act of destruction of a classic car actually brought a tear to my eye," Burk said. "What a waste. And what is the deal with him abusing the little person on the show? You talk about trash TV.

"I will never, ever watch that stupid show again," added Burk "and I suggest to manufacturers that participating in it does them and the drag racing industry a great disservice." (photo copyright Discovery Channel) [12-13-2005]

DUPUY IMPROVES

As we reported earlier, Snap-on Tools Top Fuel dragster crew chief Wayne Dupuy has been moved into a rehabilitation center, where he continues to make progress in his recovery from injuries suffered in a single-car accident two weeks ago.

"He's getting better every day," team owner and driver Doug Herbert said. "(Dec. 7) he walked quite a bit on his own, he fed himself breakfast and lunch, and that was really good. He has to learn some things all over again, but he's getting it. He's talking better and he has just made a lot of improvement. It's just going to take time, but he's doing better every day and he's finally starting to get into a routine." [12-13-2005]

CAMERAMAN INJURED IN NEW ZEALAND CRASH

Cameraman Robert Miller was injured Dec. 11 when a drag racer lost control at Meremere Dragway in New Zealand. Miller was filming the run and following the winning car when he was hit from behind and hurled into the air by a Camaro driven by Clark Fiddes. Miller luckily received only cuts and bruises. Fiddes was knocked unconscious in the accident and is in the hospital with minor injuries. The car, which had just been imported from the U.S., is beyond repair. [12-13-2005]