WHAT A SIGHT

Editor Jeff Burk spotted what may be the newest trend in nostalgia Funny Cars while walking the pits in San Antonio. (4-8-2005)

BURKART TO DEBUT TOYOTA IN HOUSTON

Phil Burkart will move to a Toyota body at this weekend's NHRA race at Houston Raceway Park. The Checker, Schuck's, Kragen Funny Car blue team stayed after the conclusion of the Gatornationals and tested the new car.

"We had a really bad race in Gainesville, where we didn't qualify, so when we tested the Toyota on Monday the pressure was on to show what we could do," Burkart said. "We ripped off a 4.84 and a 4.82, and the Toyota was great to drive. We got some valuable data that will help us go even quicker, so we're very optimistic."

Teammate Del Worsham will continue to campaign his 2005 Monte Carlo. [4-8-2005]

WYATT BUYS WORSHAM CAR

Jack Wyatt has just completed the purchase of one of Del Worsham's 2004 cars, a Parallax/Grant Downing piece that is a definite step up from his previous car. In addition to the new car, Wyatt also has a new associate sponsor to complement his Race Girl deal. Lem Instruments is a Swedish company that supplies electronics components to Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz. [4-8-2005]

WRENCHED EXCESS

A reliable source told the Agent that the Schumacher organization orders nitro pistons for their team a THOUSAND at a time and they make that order often. As mind blowing as that number is, the Agent also heard the Schumacher’s Pro Stock wizard, Bob Glidden, orders 60 sets of Pro Stock rods at a time and that the team has eight motors that are constantly being rebuilt, dyno tested, and rotated between the team’s two Pro Stockers. The Agent knows of a prominent Pro Mod team that hasn’t used 60 sets of rods in six years! [4-8-2005]

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. . .



Our European correspondent, Dr. Ivan Sansom, sent this photo along with his coverage from Santa Pod. Yes, fans, that is indeed a convertible Beetle with a jet engine. But don't worry, driver Ronnie Picardo's got a roll cage and a helmet. [4-8-2005]