AUSTRALIAN NOSTALGIA FLOPPER

The Agent got these photos and a note from DRO Australian correspondent Jon Van Daal. Apparently this Monaro-bodied car was one of Australia's first funny cars and it ran an 11.99 when it debuted in 1969. Found under a gum tree where it had been for many a year the Shaker was faithfully restored to better than original by one of the original owner's sons, Gary Martin.

A 454-inch injected big block powers the original Shaker funny car. Van Daal wrote, "I was lucky enough to see this car in 1970 and it tugged at the heart strings as it came to life." [9-22-2005]

AUSTRALIA PT II

The Agent’s European counterpart, Tog, dropped a line to say that the Australian nitro-racing Rapidsarda family and their driver, Steve Read, will take delivery of the Kalitta’s Top Fuel car after the December match race. For more info on the deal you can go to
www.eurodragster.com/news/steve_read.asp. [9-22-2005]

OUTLAW ALTERED POINTS RACE TIGHTENS

Travis Bouchey (shown) pulled to within two points of the lead of the Outlaw Fuel Altered Association championship with his win at Houston Raceway Park during the Ultimate Chevy Challenge on Sept. 17-18.

Brad Rigler held on to the slim points lead even though he was taken out in the first round of competition by the No. 1 qualifier, Scott Essmeier. In the final round, Essmeier had problems in the water box and shut off before the burnout, handing the win to Bouchey's "Excitation" Fiat.

There are two events left in the OFAA season, with the next race scheduled for Oct. 1 at Abilene (TX) Drag Strip. (Chris Graves photo) [9-22-2005]

DRAG RACER MAG LANDS A BIG FISH AFTER CUTTING 'BIG TUNA' LOOSE

Like all major league team managers, the only sure thing about being hired as a magazine editor is that eventually you'll be fired.

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Just ask the Burkster about that some time. So, we are sad to report that after over a decade as the founding editor for Drag Racer Magazine our buddy Scott "Big Tuna" Cochran got the axe, when the publishing company Y-Visionary was sold. Cochran was replaced by another member of the ex-editors club and occasional DRO contributor, Randy "Big Fish" Fish. Fish served as editor of both Drag Racing USA and Popular Hot Rodding in the past.

The Agent is happy for both guys. Scott will finally get a little more time to do some sailing and Randy, well Randy has given up any hope of a personal life to get back to his first love, drag racing journalism. [9-22-2005]