GO EAST, YOUNG DRAG RACER
Mindful
of the weather problems that NHRA and the Gulf states have,
we turn our attention to the other sanctioning body. Although
there is a slight chance of showers tonight, the rest of
this weekend looks pretty good for the IHRA President Cup
Nationals in Budds Creek, MD. Of special interest for this
event is the Torco Race Fuels Pro Stock Showdown, which
will pit the top eight drivers against each other for the
$20,000 first prize.
Steve Spiess is leading the points chase and holds the
ET record. Although he may be the favorite to take the Shootout
win, the other drivers will try to knock him out of the
final. The first round begins at 3:00 p.m. (ET) on Saturday,
Sept. 24, with the finals held during the "Night of
Fire." (Bob Johnson photo)
[9-23-2005]
FOR THE 'O-MEN' IT IS DEFINITELY
'BILLIONS'
One of the Agent's Wall Street operatives passed this bit
of financial news from the Forbes list of the 400 richest
in America who happened to have a interest in drag racing
and the letter "O," along with a few other notables.
Ollen (the Agent always
wondered what the O stood for) Bruton Smith of "Speedway
Motorsports" is listed in the 207th position along
with James Jennard of Oakley "Rolling O" fame.
Each has about $1.5 billion of wealth. That makes O. Bruton
the second wealthiest American named Smith behind the founder
of FedEx, Frederick Wallace Smith.
Roger Penske is in the 133 spot with about $2 billion to
his name. James and William France of Daytona, FL are listed
tied in the 198th position with about $1.6 billion each.
To put this in perspective, all of these individuals are
wealthier than Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, or even Wally
Parks. Although these numbers likely include all their investments,
somehow the Agent thinks O. Bruton could have NHRA if he
really wanted it. [9-23-2005]
ROMER RUMOR
Agent 1320 hears that IHRA Pro Modified driver Dave Romer
has his PPG-sponsored Gladiator '68 Camaro for sale and
might be receiving the first nitrous-powered Pontiac GTO
for IHRA Pro Modified racing shortly.
[9-23-2005]
VIRGIL LOOKING FOR GOOD HELP?
The Agent was forwarded a note that his friend Virgil Hartman
put up on a Nostalgia Funny car board. It says: "We
have four races left for the 2005 season with our Top Fuel
team and would like to have 2 to 3 additional crew members
at these races. So I am extending an invitation to the nostalgia
group to contact me if you are interested in being a part
of the professional circus for one to four events.
Requirements are: 1. must be able to take, understand and
follow directions. No ad libbing allowed; 2. Be familiar
with and not be afraid of doing physical labor; 3. Have
black pants and shoes. I will provide the shirts; 4. Be
dependable in that you will fulfill the obligations you
commit to. The races are Chicago, Sept. 29-Oct. 2; Dallas,
Oct. 6-9; Las Vegas, Oct. 20-23; and Pomona Nov. 2-6. If
interested e-mail topfuelvirgil@aol.com. [9-23-2005]
