REMEMBER THIS?

A drag racing memorabilia show will be held Sunday, Sept. 4th, 4:00 P.M to Midnight at the Clarion Hotel, 2930 Waterfront Parkway West Drive, Indianapolis. Vendor space is available on a first come, first served basis. For more information call Mike Goyda at 717-569-7149. [8-3-2005]

CONNOLLY INSPIRING THE PROFESSOR TO STAY AFTER CLASS?

So you think WJ is ready to put his feet up in retirement? One of the rumors the Agent heard in Sonoma is that the Professor may be contemplating an offer from a solid sponsor for him to continue driving, especially with the year he’s been having behind the wheel in 2005. There are no details or confirmation, but with the Johnson Team's GM Performance Parts and ACDelco sponsorship deals in place, it may lead to a three-car operation for the next couple of years while the senior Johnson postpones his Golden Years. Watch for a possible announcement as early as Indy if the dollars work. WJ's mind may have been elsewhere since he lost on a hole-shot to Dave "the Punk" Connolly in the opening round of Sunday's eliminations.

Another item on WJ's set-up is of interest. According to a close source, one of the reasons the Professor calmly sat in his Pontiac during the lengthy burndown in the Denver final was his usage of some NASCAR technology to cool his engine down to a chilly 55 degrees prior to going into his race against Connolly.

For more news, notes and photos from Sonoma, check out our Race Coverage. (James Drew photo) [8-2-2005]

CORDOVA READIES FOR 'WORLD SERIES'

Top Fuel dragsters, nitro Funny Cars, Pro Modifieds, fuel altereds and jets will be on hand for the 52nd edition of the World Series of Drag Racing at Cordova Raceway Park in Cordova, IL. O'Reilly Auto Parts is the title rights sponsor of the August 26-27 event.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We are a dinosaur when it comes to producing an independent major event of this level," said track operator Scott Gardner, "as we are one of the few left that continue to do so."

Tony Schumacher and Scott Palmer will face off in their TF dragsters. Funny Car drivers Tim Wilkerson, Frank Pedregon, Jack Wyatt and Dale Creasy will see who has the best car. Also on tap will be four fuel altereds, nostalgia Top Fuel entries driven by Dale Suhr and Mindy Frye, and a special match race featuring Midwest legend "Animal" Jim Feurer against the "Grocery Getter" Pontiac.

DRO will cover the event, so also look for Jeff Burk and Chris Martin. We're working on a tag team match in drag with Scott Gardner and Tazz from the track. . . . Naw, we're just kidding. [8-2-2005]