GOAT OF THE FUTURE?

The Agent received an email from one of his Michigan operatives containing an artist's rendering of what could be the GTO of the future. The engine combo for the new 2008 GTO is rumored to be a rear-wheel drive, LS2 6 liter engine with reported 400 horsepower and a manual six-speed trans. Strangely this shot looks a lot like the nose of a 1978 Formula Firebird. Maybe WJ can get his hand on one of these swoopy GTO's before his next retirement tour. [8-16-2005]

McCLENATHAN TO TRY IHRA FOR ONCE

Cory McClenathan, driver of the Carrier Boyz Racing FRAM AirHog Top Fuel dragster will compete at the IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series Skull Gear World Nationals presented by PPG at Norwalk Raceway Park in Norwalk, Ohio on Aug. 25-28.

McClenathan was scheduled to compete at the event last year but everything was rained out and rescheduled later. McClenathan and Carrier Boyz Racing were unable to return due to NHRA racing commitments.

ADVERTISEMENT

"I’m excited about running the Skull Gear World Nationals," said McClenathan. "Even though we were here last year, you can really call this my first IHRA and once again this year I’m looking forward to meeting all the fans and racing at Bill Bader’s facility. After being here last year, I already know it stacks up with the best of tracks.

"I know my team owners, Andy and Mark Carrier, are looking forward to returning to Norwalk. They ran there in 2003 but are no strangers to IHRA. Their father, Larry Carrier, founded IHRA back in the early '70s and he and track owner Bill Bader are pioneers of that sanctioning body. There is a lot of history between the Carrier family and the Bader family and this year will be especially tough without Larry Carrier who passed away in June."

If he can give Clay Millican a run for the money, the Agent thinks there should be more "I" races in their future. (Chris Haverly photo) [8-16-2005]