FUEL INJECTION FOR 2006

One of the Agent's sources called recently and swears that he heard a very prominent NHRA Pro Stock racer telling a group of his peers that fuel injection for NHRA Pro Stock was a done deal for the 2006 season. The Agent has heard this one before. (Don't call us, Mr. Grant, the Agent is only reporting a juicy rumor and we are cognizant of the fact you signed a long-term contract with NHRA concerning the Pro Stock Challenge!) [4-6-2005]

SOUTH GEORGIA POURS CONCRETE

After just one year in operation, South Georgia Motorsports Park is undergoing a major renovation this week as construction crews are working 'round-the-clock, tearing up the dragstrip's asphalt and pouring concrete all the way to the quarter-mile mark. Track owners Shad Dean and his father, Larry, made the decision to go all concrete after hosting testing for more than 30 Pro Stock teams prior to the recently completed NHRA Gatornationals. "They told us there was a slight bump down there right where they hit high gear," Shad Dean explained, "so we decided to do this now and we'll grind it perfectly flat this November."

Standard Contractors in nearby Valdosta, GA, also owned by the Deans, is doing the current work and built the entire facility, which also features a 1/2-mile tri-oval for stock car racing. Weather permitting, the track should be ready for bracket racing this coming Sunday. "We thrive on deadlines," Dean stated. He also said the eight-plus acres of paved parking on the dragstrip side of the facility will be expanded to more than 12 acres in the next couple of weeks in preparation for the May 20-22 ADRL event. [4-6-2005]

SOUTHEASTERN DRAGWAY NOT FOR SALE

An earlier item speculated that Southeastern Dragway near Dallas, GA might be ripe for turning into a subdivision. Not so, says track owner Gene Fuller. In fact, the track is celebrating its 50th season this year, making it the longest-running dragstrip in continuous operation in the southeast U.S. Fuller said a DOT construction trailer has been parked near the track for some road work and he has removed a few trees to make more room in the pits, which may have contributed to the earlier speculation. [4-6-2005]

THE CLOCK IS RUNNING FOR JOHNSON

To say that Pro Stock Bike rider Steve Johnson is happy is true -- for the first time his team is leading the NHRA POWERade points. To say that he knows it can all go away is also true. Witness the 10-foot tall number 1 on his trailer -- a vinyl stick-on so it can be removed. Johnson plans to hold on to the lead for as long as he can, beginning on March 20 at 5:15 p.m. -- but who's counting the minutes? Let's see if the number is still there after this weekend's Houston race. [4-6-2005]