'MEGA CASH' IS STILL A GO

With weather becoming a factor in racing for this weekend, word comes that the Mega Cash Shootout at Temple (TX) Academy Dragway is still on as of Wednesday, March 16. Thursday through Saturday are supposed to be clear, with a slight chance of sprinkles on Sunday. According to the track's Greg Duffield, "If we do get a shower or two we have a brand new jet dryer on hand with a few extra drums of fuel to help us get the job done." [3-16-2005]

NEW IHRA TRACK IN ILLINOIS?

Agent 1320 got an email about a proposed new racing facility in Central Illinois in the town of Minonk (population 2200) which is about 125 miles southwest of Chicago. According to the Agent's source the facility would include a 4/10-mile paved oval, a quarter-mile dragstrip and a road course. Sound familiar?

The press release had drag racing names like Ron Colson, Cordova track owner Scott Gardner and IHRA's Tom Kreager. The name listed as the developer is one Randy Hellyer. Although he can't attend the official press conference for the announcement, the Agent will be watching the goings on. [3-16-2005]

HARTMAN TEAM SALUTES DRAW ANNIVERSARY

The Hartman Motorsports team will be displaying the 20th Anniversary DRAW logo on the side of their family-owned Top Fuel dragster during the Mac Tools Gatornationals.

"DRAW did so much for me and my family during my accident with Gary Scelzi in 2001, that I felt it would be a great way to help bring more awareness to their organization and hopefully bring in some more donations to help injured racers in conjunction with all of the fundraising events they hold each year,” said driver John Smith.

Smith was involved in a serious accident when Scelzi had an engine explosion and crashed into him during the first round of eliminations in Brainerd, MN in 2001. Smith suffered serious injuries, attended months of rehabilitation and sustained four operations to improve mobility in his leg and wrist.

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DRAW members were first to arrive in the pits after the accident to offer emotional support and financial assistance to him and his family.

“We want to offer our support to the injured racer or family members as quickly as possible,” said DRAW President Beth Hyatt. The Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW) is a non-profit organization that provides financial and emotional support to qualified individuals in drag racing accidents at the track.

Organized in 1985, DRAW is celebrating their 20th year of service to the drag racing community. For more information on DRAW, visit www.drawfasthelp.org or visit them at their booth located at all NHRA National events. [3-16-2005]