PROJECT STREET FX RETURNS

After taking the summer off, we’ve headed back to the shop for the performance update on DRO photographer Zak Hawthorne’s Project Street FX altered wheelbase, big block ’64 Chevy II.

With help and participation from a bunch of our great advertisers and racing aftermarket friends, we are working with JMS Racing Engines in Monrovia, CA for the build.

Here’s a look at the newly painted short block with one of the bitchin’ Air Flow Research heads bolted on so we could start checking clearances. We'll install the go-fast parts and should be wheeling the 468-inch big block street/strip Chevy into their dyno room sometime next week. For our readers who may not have seen the original build of DRO Project Street FX, you can click here to see where the Chevy II started: //carcloseup/vi_1-zak-c.html. Look for the first report in the October issue of DRO. (Darr Hawthorne photo) [9-22-2005]

DRO COLUMNISTS IN THE NEWS

For you fans of Pammy Utterback's "Chick 'n' Slicks" column, we have some bad news. She won't be writing for us anymore.

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For music fans, the good news is that she will be touring with her band Cheap Chick. Guess the lure of the rock star life took precedence over fame and fortune as a drag racing writer and back-up girl. Rock on, Pammy. Come back and visit us sometime, the door is always open.

We will have a new columnist starting with the October issue. DRO tech contributor Mike Bumbeck will write a monthly non-tech column. Welcome aboard, Mike, we're (mostly) friendly here. [9-22-2005]

FONTANA TRACK UPDATE

As a result of the recent publicity concerning the possible demise of Fontana's California Dragway a number of DRO readers have asked for an email address to contact the California Speedway management to show their support.

The Agent asks that your message be respectful and supportive of keeping the drag strip alive, and point out its importance to the SoCal drag racing world, but please hold back on any bashing. Gillian Zucker is the President of the Speedway and she can be reached at President@CaliforniaSpeedway.com or send your "snail mail" to President c/o California Speedway, 9300 Cherry Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335

They've already heard from many drag racers and your email will make a difference since, according to a call this morning, the management is looking at every alternative to keep drag racing part of the Fontana Speedway in harmony with NASCAR events. [9-22-2005]