FASTEST HANDS IN THE WEST?

The Agent hears that there was considerable carnage at the CIFCA competition at Las Vegas, with several cars having various mechanical problems. One highlight (so to speak) of the weekend happened to the AMP Motorsports team. Driver Paul Peterson lined up against Eddy Plazier and at the hit of the throttle Peterson's transmission failed. Luckily, Plazier broke out with a 7.48 and Peterson was able to get the car to roll through the lights and get the round win with a 31.00 ET!

A mad thrash ensued as the AMP Motorsports team got the tranny out of the car and took it to transmission expert and DRO Tranny Tech answer man Mike Stewart (shown) who completely rebuilt the transmission. The team got the car put back together and pulled into the lanes just as the semi's were ready to start. They won their semi match-up and went on to take the final round win.

The Agent congratulates the AMP team and Mike Stewart. Hey, he's one of our experts -- he's got to be good. (DRO file photo by Jeff Burk) [9-8-2005]

AMATO SELLS OUT?

With many changes to his team since the death of Darrell Russell, five-time champ Joe Amato is reportedly in the process of selling his Top Fuel operation to oilman, sponsor and father, Forrest Lucas. The Jim Dupuy-tuned dragster is driven by sophomore driver Morgan Lucas. NHRA.com ran with the rumor over the U.S. Nationals weekend but quickly removed the item, apparently under pressure from the team. (Bret Kepner photo) [9-8-2005]

CALIFORNIA DRAGWAY READIES

According to track manager Dave Danish (shown), preparations for California Dragway's first Division 7 Lucas Oil Racing Series event are being finalized. The track is being put back together after the recent California Speedway NASCAR event and promises to be even better than before. A new track drag tractor will be delivered this weekend so the strip can be prepped and ready for the "Out-of-Division" event.

Bob Brockmeyer from Compulink will be at the Fontana, CA facility this week and during the event to be sure the timing system is in order. The race is shaping up to be a major event for California Dragway with approximately 700 cars expected for the September 15-18 race. [9-8-2005]

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

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Having faced another scorching August during the recently completed Nitro Nationals at the Pomona Fairplex dragstrip, it looks like the Goodguys have secured a cooler date. The Agent hears that the last weekend of April 2006 appears to have opened up for the popular SoCal VRA event and car show. Negotiations are apparently still underway for a return to Infineon Raceway for a 2006 Northern California VRA event later in the year at the Sonoma strip. [9-8-2005]