RUMORS, RUMORS AND MORE RUMORS:

PRO MOD

Remember the Mopar 1970 model "Superbird" Pro Mods that Chip King and Thomas Patterson are having built at Vanishing Point Race Cars? One of the reasons that the two racers went to the considerable expense of making replicas of those extremely rare cars was that those cars came stock from the factory with a 50-inch front end overhang. The rules for most sanctioning bodies restrict the overhang for any car to 44 inches, unless it was more than that from the factory (like the Plymouth Superbird).

Now the Agent hears from a good source that IHRA is going to make a 44-inch maximum overhang the limit for ALL doorslammers, period. If ture, this can't be good news for King, Patterson and the Vanishing Points folks.

PRO STOCK & TOP FUEL

The Agent hears that if Greg Anderson's benefactor, Ken Black, isn't all that happy with the vibe in Pro Stock and that is one of the reasons he decided to get involved in a Top Fuel team. We also hear that if he really starts having a good time with his new Top Fuel team, he will probably sell or give his interest in the Summit-backed Pro Stock team to Greg Anderson.

The Agent also hears that Jason Line might be done after this season for several reasons, not the least being that he is starting a family and wants to spend less time on the road and more time at home. [8-18-2005]

PRO MOD FUTURE AT NHRA DEPENDS ON MONEY

Several of the Agent's NHRA Pro Mod sources have said that the future of Pro Mods at the NHRA is directly dependent on sponsorship dollars. Reportedly, what NHRA would have to get is a three-year commitment worth a million bucks per year. That number includes the purse payout, TV production costs and a sanctioning fee to NHRA, and reportedly, if NHRA doesn't get the bucks, the class will be history.

The Agent has to wonder if any of the current benefactors of NHRA Pro Mod, Dave Woods and Tom Lipar, would pony up that kind of cash or if the companies already involved such as Jeg's and Torco will step up for that kind of commitment. The Agent also has to wonder if AMS/TLR ramrod Kenny Nowling would be back or will he devote his time to his ADRL series. [8-18-2005]

ASHLEY DOES DOUBLE DUTY

It's a good thing that NHRA doesn't recognize Pro Mod as a professional class, because if they did, Mike Ashley's plans to drive both his Pro Mod and his new Fuel Flopper would not be possible, as NHRA won't allow a driver to compete in more than one professional class at their events.

Also, depending on when NHRA runs the Pro Mods in relation to the Funny Cars, Ashley could have some trouble getting out of one car and into the other in time to race or qualify. It should be entertaining to watch. [8-18-2005]

DRAW TO HOST AUTOGRAPH SESSION AT U.S. NATIONALS

The Drag Racing Association of Women will host a fundraising autograph session at the U.S. Nationals. The autograph session will take place in Nitro Alley on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Some of the drivers will include Ron Capps and Larry Dixon. For details stop by the D.R.A.W. booth or the J.W. Performance Transmissions display located on manufacturers midway. [8-18-2005]