DON’T LET THE TRANSPORTER
DOOR HIT YOU IN THE BUTT, LEE
DRO got a short cryptic press release from the Schumacher
organization announcing that Lee Beard had been released
effectively immediately. It is interesting that Ronnie Thompson,
who was once Lee Beard’s protégé, returned
to the Schumacher camp on at least a temporary basis. That
Beard was let go shouldn’t surprise anyone in the
sport. The only questions left is did Don Schumacher have
to buy Beard out of the remaining 2-plus years left on his
contract and who will one of the sport's most successful
tuners end up working for? [6-27-2005]
ANOTHER THREE CAR PRO MOD TEAM
Agent 1320 hears that West Coast racer Kirk Kuhns will soon
be picking up a brand new ’41 Willys to race on the
AMS/TLR circuit. Kuhns currently has a 63 ‘Vette and
a Dodge Viper in his trailer. The car is being made at Vanishing
Point Racecars. [6-27-2005]
ONE MORE FORCE ITEM
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DRO got a tip the John Force team were on their way to Otterbein,
Indiana, today to pick up a brand new “flexi-flyer”
chassis from Murph McKinney. Unfortunately, it may be some
time before the new Tim Gibson-designed Mustang body will
be fitted to one of Force’s cars since NHRA keeps
requiring Gibson to make changes to his design.
Gibson told DRO at St. Louis that part of the problem was
that NHRA kept making changes to his design in an effort
to keep the Funny Car bodies looking stock. "They always
lean toward more stock appearing bodies," said Gibson.
Say what? DRO asks. Has anyone looked closely at today’s
Funny Car bodies? Could anyone in their right mind think
one of those bodies has any resemblance to a Detroit-built
car? [6-27-2005]
FLYNN LANDS AT DENSHAM TEAM
Gary Densham and Racebricks CEO Marty Yacoobian have hired
veteran crew chief Rob Flynn as a tuning consultant to work
with Densham and lead tuner Greg Amaral. Flynn joined the
team before pro qualifying started for the Sears Craftsman
NHRA Nationals at Gateway International Raceway.
"I think Rob is a great guy and we could really use
his help," Densham said. "We have a young crew
and Rob works so well with the crew guys and I think he
is going to make everyone better. Plus, it never hurts to
have an experienced tuner in your corner."
Flynn has spent more than 25 years in NHRA racing and has
worked with several drivers including Pat Austin, Connie
and Scott Kalitta, Larry Minor, Whit Bazemore, Jerry Toliver,
Ken Veney, Del Worsham, Cruz Pedregon and (until last week)
Doug Herbert.
"I have a lot of experience with Funny Car racing
so it's nice to be back with that category," Flynn
said. "I think what Gary and Greg want more than anything
else is to be more consistent and I'm anxious to be able
to help them with that." [6-27-2005]
WILKERSON'S MOTHER SUCCUMBS
Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson's mother Martha (Marty) passed
away, Saturday, June 25, during the Sears Craftsman Nationals
after battling a lengthy illness. She was 77. It was her
wish that Wilkerson not leave the race early to come home
so Wilkerson honored her wish and continued the race, where
he advanced to the final round. Services will be held in
Springfield, Ill. Anyone wishing to make a donation can
make it in Martha Wilkerson's name to the Bethesda Lutheran
Home at 1800 North Grand Avenue West, Springfield, IL 62702.
Cards and condolences may be sent to Tim Wilkerson, Wilkerson
Racing, 2840 Stevenson Drive, Suite C, Springfield, IL 62703.
[6-27-2005]
