POWERADE GIVES NHRA GREEN LIGHT

The Coca-Cola Company has extended the POWERade brand as the NHRA professional race series title sponsor through 2011. The announcement came from Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, prior to the start of the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.

"As a sports drink, POWERade defies convention, which is exactly what NHRA competitors do each time they roar down the track," said Don Knauss, president, Coca-Cola North America. "Bringing together POWERade and NHRA has created new excitement and energy for NHRA fans, and by extending our partnership, we'll keep that momentum pumping for years to come."

Dollar figures for the sponsorship were not released. No word from NHRA prez Tom Compton on an increased points fund or payouts to racers, either. [5-12-2005]

BULLISH ON DRAG RACING?

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Here's a little summer project for you to work on between trips to the local dragstrip: Red Bull Dragsterday. What, you ask, is that? According to their press release, "this unique event challenges amateur drivers and their pit crews to design, construct, and race human-powered 'dragsters' that can cover a 1/8-mile flat course with speed, style, and showmanship." The entries must be made by hand and propelled only by humans.

Red Bull Dragsterday will be held on Sept. 10, 2005 on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Grand Prize is a trip through the Frank Hawley Drag Racing School. For information on how to enter go to www.redbulldragsterday.com by June 15.

The Agent had a call in to drag racer and bicyclist Whit Bazemore until the "amateur driver" phrase was pointed out. Moving to Plan B, we hope that DRO columnist Cole Coonce (who occasionally cycles with Bazemore) is available to drive the Agent's old soap box derby entry from his Cub Scout days. That thing must be in the garage somewhere. [5-12-2005]

GOODGUYS HOST DINNER WITH BRIZIO

Andy Brizio, northern California's signature hot rodding icon since the early 1970s, will be roasted Saturday night, August 27 during the Goodguys 19th Texaco/Havoline West Coast Nationals. The "Evening with Andy" will be held at the Pleasanton (Calif.) Hilton with room for about 300 people. $35 includes dinner and all the evening's festivities. To reserve your seat, e-mail Diane Walsh at dianew@good-guys.com.

Known as "The Rodfather" for his development of the "Instant T" hot rod kits, Brizio has long been a driving force and leader in the hot rodding world. Before he gained notoriety with hot rods, Brizio served as the official flag starter at Half Moon Bay dragstrip during the 1960s. (photo courtesy Goodguys) [5-12-2005]