::: DRO ::: Columns - Agent 1320

SOUTHEASTERN DRAGWAY CLOSES

Word came to the Agent that Southeastern Dragway near Dallas, GA, has closed. Track operator Gene Fuller made the announcement on Jan. 9. The track opened July 4, 1955. There has been much speculation about the track's fate since the death of its owner, Marvin "Red" Jones in 2005. Unfortunately, it seems a familiar story with old tracks near expanding urban areas as the land becomes worth more and more to land developers. (Ian Tocher photo) [1-9-2006]

CRAFTSMAN GONZO FROM GATEWAY, O’REILLY (NOT BILL) STEPS IN

After signing a long-term deal as recently as last year, the title rights sponsor for the NHRA race at Gateway International Raceway, Sears Craftsman Tools line, has taken their leave of the NHRA.

A recent announcement from NHRA signaled the end of the Sears company's involvement and announced the signing of the O’Reilly Auto Parts chain as the new title rights sponsor. The race will now be known as the O’Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals. By signing up as the title rights sponsor at St. Louis the O’Reilly chain’s name is now attached to six of NHRA’s national events. The Agent figures that the tool business (as far as NHRA drag racing is concerned) must not be so good since Mac Tools dropped the Gainesville race and their sponsorship of the Jesse James/Kalitta Top Fuel team and now Sears Craftsman pulled the plug on their involvement. [1-9-2006]

IHRA DELAYS ADDING TURBOS TO PRO STOCK

The IHRA Competition Department has announced that turbocharged entries will not be part of the Pro Stock program this year.

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"After much deliberation, we've decided to delay the inclusion of small cubic inch turbocharged entries into what is a very competitive Mountain Motor Pro Stock program," said IHRA Director of competition and Technical Services Mike Baker.

Instead, the 2006 racing season will be used to obtain information essential for the successful introduction of this non-traditional combination into the naturally aspirated class, perhaps leaving the door open for the turbos to enter in '07. [1-9-2006]