::: DRO ::: Columns - Agent 1320

ALAN JOHNSON, REV-LIMITER CLARIFICATION

The MSD unit worked as advertised on Alan Johnson's 337 pass at Brainerd. The Agent has learned from a very well placed source (not Alan Johnson; he didn't call -- yet) that one of the reasons for the big speed and ET from the Johnson-tuned Top Fueler at Brainerd was the team has sorted through their supply of Goodyear Eagles and found a pair that had about four or more inches of rollout than the normal tire. There are some issues as to how wheels are measured to meet the NHRA spec and, the source suggests, perhaps the team had a pair of wheels that were slightly narrower than the spec. A taller than normal tire and a slightly narrower tire means more speed.

The source also insisted that the rev-limiter did work on that lap but that it happened slightly past the four-second mark. That problem was corrected with the new program installed by MSD in the device at Memphis this past weekend. (Jeff Burk photo) [8-25-2005]

WORLD SERIES STARTS ON FRIDAY

The DRO editorial team of Jeff Burk, Matt Schramel and Chris Martin are packing up the laptop computer and getting ready for the overnight trip to the Quad Cities area to Cordova Raceway Park in Cordova, IL. The guys will give DRO readers special same day coverage of the Friday and Saturday 52nd annual World Series of Drag Racing. The racing is always good at this historic event. The professional show begins at 7:00 p.m. both nights.

And our coverage is bound to be entertaining, since they're leaving the copy editors back at the office. How many typos can you find? (2004 photo by Jeff Leonard) [8-25-2005]

NHRA CHANGES TF, FC IGNITION SYSTEM

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Here are new guidelines announced by NHRA that will affect all Top Fuel and Funny Car teams attending the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.

"The MSD Ignition system (MSD 8971 Pro Mag Digital Retard Control) on all Top Fuel and Funny Cars must have the OEM connectors or supply NHRA Technical department with proper adapter harness. If an ignition system is found with a wiring system that does not match the OEM connector or NHRA is not supplied with an attachment adapter, the qualifying or elimination run will be disqualified." [8-25-2005]