CIFCA SEASON OPENS AT SACTO

The California Independent Funny Car Association opened its 21st season on April 9 at Sacramento Raceway. Jamie Leppanen, new president of the organization, took his and Art Nolte's "Arizona Thunder" car (above, near lane) to the win. In the final, Leppanen took an early lead against Mike Halstead in the Team Outcast Chevy (far lane), who then passed Leppanen by the finish, but broke out with a 7.41, giving away the win.

Dennis LaChartie, the 2004 CIFCA champion, brought out his "Back in Black" Nostalgia Fuel Funny and ran the second quickest pass in VRA trim with a 6.09 at 244 mph. (Jason Ellis photos) [4-14-2005]

MILITARY DISCOUNT AT 'THE ROCK'

IHRA will be offering a special Active Military Discount ticket for the IHRA Spring Nationals April 22-24 at Rockingham (NC) Dragway. Anyone showing an active military ID at the ticket gate will receive admission for only $20. The discount is available all three days of the event.

Rockingham Dragway owner Steve Earwood believes any sign of appreciation towards men and women in the military, no matter the amount, will go a long way. "We're trying to recognize them for the sacrifices they make. This area, with Fort Bragg and the other military bases, offers the opportunity for us to say 'thank you' on a large scale."

Well done IHRA and Earwood, says the Agent. Still no announcement from NHRA. (Jeff Burk photo) [4-14-2005]

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WEIS TEAM TRAINS EUROPEAN CREW CHIEF

From Tog, news editor at eurodragster.com, comes the word that Ben Allum, new crew chief for FIA European Top Fuel Dragster Champion Andy Carter (UK), is spending the weekend in Las Vegas at the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals training with Scott Weis' Top Fuel Dragster team. Allum has a long history of working on Fuel teams, but this season will be his first as crew chief. Andy Carter's previous and long-standing crew chief, Eddie Corr, left the team at the end of the 2004 European season; for the 2005 European season Allum will be working with car owner and tuner Rune Fjeld before taking on all of the tuning calls in 2006. [4-14-2005]

STILL NUMBER ONE

Then Agent's Pro Stock Bike friend Steve Johnson, left Gainesville as he came – #1 in the class, #1 in points, and #1 in our hearts... by two points. [4-14-2005]