Jack Wyatt and his Race Girl-backed fuel coupe (shown)
have fulfilled NHRA Vice President of Racing Operations
Graham Light's performance requirements of making three
full passes under the 5.20 mark without oiling the track
and after missing the Denver race will be returning to NHRA
competition at Seattle.
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Wyatt
went to Kansas City International Dragway and to Cordova
(IL) Dragway and made a total of five passes. The team made
three passes at Cordova Dragway and recording a best ET
of 5.17. Veteran tuner Paul Smith is calling the shots for
the team and as a result the Wyatt's engine woes are a thing
of the past.
A quick look at the entry list for the Seattle race shows
Bob Panella Jr.'s name listed in Pro Stock with Panella
Trucking as the sponsor. The Agent has to wonder if the
recent settlement of the Pro Stock Truck lawsuit had any
influence on the return of the Panella family and the family
business as a sponsor to NHRA Pro Stock competition. (Chris
Haverly photo) [7-19-2005]
FUNNY CAR FEVER
The Agent spoke recently with Del Worsham, who's gotten
caught up in Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars along with the likes
of Ron Capps. Worsham's team is putting the finishing touches
on a re-creation of the mid-1970s Blue Max Mustang flopper
that was campaigned by legendary pilot Raymond Beadle (shown).
Beadle has blessed the project, but the car won't be running
at the Pomona Goodguys event since Worsham was already booked
into an out-of-town match race with the CSK funny cars.
Like some of the other veterans, Del says he's building
the car, "to have some fun." He'll make some non-conflicting
race dates in 2006 and probably make some Goodguys appearances
with the cool new ride.
The Agent also hears that as a result of Ron Capps' entry
in Jeff Gaynor's Nostalgia Nitro Funny Car at Pomona, there
may be some interest in putting together a match race series
with a couple of former professional flopper shoes. One
of the drivers showing interest is currently wearing ESPN
colors. (DRO file photo by Jim Phillipson)
[7-19-2005]
