A WING AND A PRAYER?

Fresh on the heels of NHRA's ban of Walt Austin's re-designed Ford 429 motor for use in the alcohol ranks, Bucky Austin got a taste of the same NHRA medicine. Austin showed up at Las Vegas with this mini-fuel Funny Car rear spoiler set up on his Pontiac FC. Seems the NHRA Tech guy had a few problems with the design and, according to one of the Agent's operatives, nixed it. (James Drew photos) [4-19-2005]

A RACER IN NEED

The Agent got a note from Greg Duffield at Temple Academy Dragway in Holland, Texas about a local racer who could use a helping hand. Kermit Tieken, who races a Volkwagen weekly, has just been told by his doctor that he has about six months to live and he is trying to sell his racing equipment to cover his final expenses. The track is putting together a race event fundraiser on April 23 with half of the gate fees and all of the sponsorship revenues going to Tieken and his family. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.templeacademy.com. [4-19-2005]

TOYOTA RACING DIVISION INTERESTED IN PRO MOD?

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Agent 1320 heard a rumor that Fuel Funny car drivers Jerry Toliver and Jim Epler have been huddled with Toyota officials, and the discussions were regarding a possible two-car Toyota Tundra team for Pro Mod competition. According to the Agent's source, the powerplants would be a twin-turbocharged V-8 with Toyota badging.

So, the Agent thinks, with Toliver's connections to Alan Johnson, is it beyond the realm of possibility that AJ might be involved in building cylinder heads and blocks for a project? It's all just a rumor at this point but, should Toyota become involved in a Pro Mod team, wouldn't it make sense that Detroit would soon follow? [4-19-2005]

NEW PRO CARS FOR YEOMAN, TAYLOR

Agent 1320 just got these spy photos of a couple of new pro cars being built in the Jeffers Pro Cars shop. The '59 'Vette is a new car being built for Frankie "Madman" Taylor to replace the '63 'Vette Taylor destroyed in a crash earlier this season. The Pro Stocker is being built for former track owner and veteran doorslammer racer Jerry Yeoman, who also crashed and destroyed a car recently. Look for both of these cars coming to a track near you soon. [4-19-2005]

TUTTEROW'S TURBO IS QUICKEST

Todd Tutterow ran 4.15 at 180 in his twin turbo Willys, the quickest ET ever by a turbo combination. And Tutterow says there is probably some more left in it. Tutterow plans to be at Bristol in a couple of weeks. [4-19-2005]