NICHOLSON RECOVERING

The staff of DRO sends best wishes to Bracket Editor, Jok Nicholson, who is recovering from emergency surgery for a stomach polyp. The Agent thinks it's a bit drastic just to get out of writing this month's "Dead-On" column, but Editor Jeff Burk has assured Nicholson that he's not getting off that easy. The next column with an update of DOT regs for racers' rigs will be here as soon as possible.

Until then, let's all raise a Maalox toast for Nicholson's speedy recovery. He's at nicholson@dragracingonline.com with not much to do for a while, so drop him a line. [8-8-2005]

HEAD CASE?

Motorheads of the planet, you're rockin' again. This is the latest creation of "flopper art" to come out of Banshie Studios in Maryland. Chuck Buckler applied the retina-burning design "GREATFUL HEAD" on Jim Head's Funny Car to debut this weekend at Brainerd. (photo courtesy Bob Fisher) [8-8-2005]

 

Pro Mod champ Mike Ashley drove two consecutive sub-5.50 runs at over 290 mph to complete his Funny Car license last weekend at Salt Lake City. Former Funny Car driver Mark Oswald helped Ashley and the Del Worsham team.

"The Worshams have assembled a top notch, committed team to run this program," Ashley said. "Mark Oswald is a great guy with a ton of patience. I've already learned a lot from him. The entire crew is awesome.

"Now that licensing is behind me it's up to me to learn and grow as a dirver," Ashley continued. "I'm committed to that. I believe under Mark Oswald's tutelage and the added leadership and guidance from the Worshams we can win. I am realistic and we have a long way to go, but this team is not going to be a 'field filler,' I promise you that."

Ashley expects to debut his '04 Monte Carlo Funny Car under the Worsham Racing umbrella at this year's U.S. Nationals. [8-8-2005]