NHRA GIVES THE PROS A RAISE?

The Agent has learned from a highly placed source that PRO major-domo
"King" Kenny Bernstein will announce that NHRA and PRO have hammered out an agreement for a new purse structure. The Agent's source was unable to confirm if the Pro Stock class was included or when the pay raise would go into effect, but felt the raise would absolutely be in effect for the 2006 season and possibly sooner. [2-28-2005]

AAAWWWWWW

After Ian Tocher returned home from covering the race in Hattiesburg, his son, Robert, took a look at the ADRL's new Adrenaline magazine.

That's right, get him started in the business early, dad. Besides, you knew the ol' Agent couldn't resist showing Tocher's excuse for why his column is sometimes late. (Ian Tocher photo) [2-28-2005]

 

BILL TANNER SUCCUMBS

Southern U.S. racing has lost one of its founders and stars. Bill Tanner, perhaps the South's premier Mopar racer, succumbed to cancer on Feb. 24. His first racecar was a slant six Lancer. His 413 '62 "Ramcharger" was virtually unbeatable until the Hemi came along. He briefly campaigned a rare 1966 "D" Dart, named the 'Lil Ramcharger, while assisting Larry Lawrence on his former Ramcharger owned '65 Hemi Dodge.

Billy Aiken, owner of Atlanta's Lenox Dodge, helped Bill acquire an original 1968 Hurst built Hemi Dart, one of only 70 ever built. Tanner literally earned a living with this SS/AA car from 1968-70, often racing three nights a week. In 1970 he was awarded an Eastern version of the Dodge Safety and Performance clinic from Chrysler, which was already represented by the two Plymouth teams of Sox & Martin and Don Grotheer, plus Dick Landy's Dodge from the west coast. Tanner is survived by his wife Katie. [2-28-2005]

GET TEED OFF AT THE GATORS

DRAW will host their 9th annual Florida Golf Tournament on March 16 at the Iron Wood Golf Course in Gainesville, FL. The cost is $65 which includes greens fees, a golf cart, and lunch. A variety of sponsorship opportunities also are available. If your company is interested in sponsoring a hole, the longest drive, closest to the pin, etc. contact Tracy Winters at tracyw@digital.net. DRO will be sponsoring a hole (yeah, we know. . .make up your own joke here) but the Agent won't be playing this year, because of an aggravated case of carpal tunnel syndrome from writing all these 1320 notes. Besides, his plus-fours are at the cleaners. [2-28-2005]

WYATT RACES FOR T-SHIRTS

Well, not exactly. Actually, the Agent's favorite privateer and certified nitro-junkie, Jack Wyatt, has signed the Race Girl folks as his sponsor for the 2005 NHRA season. Wyatt says that he will run the entire schedule and has hired veteran tuner Tim Finley, who also twists the knobs for Top Fuel legend Chris Karamesines. Finley is also on board for the whole season. Wyatt will continue to match race around the Midwest and wherever else he can get booked into. (Jeff Burk photo) [2-28-2005]

LOOKING FOR A JOB?

S&W Race Cars in Spring City, PA is looking for a manager of their phone and counter sales. The applicant must have at least five years sales experience in high performance motorsports parts, including at least three years in sales management or the equivalent combination of business education and motorsports experience. Email résumé to dscholl@swracecarscom.

The Agent would apply, but then who would feed Charlie, the DRO office cat? [2-28-2005]