PRO STREET, OUTLAW STREET TO COMBINE IN NMCA, STAY SEPARATE IN NSCA
In an effort to shore up the dropping car counts in both their Pro Street and Outlaw Street classes, look for the NMCA to combine the two for the 2001 season. It would figure that the rules would be combined and that the continued use of DOT approved rear tires would either be dropped or become optional. Depending on the rules adopted by NMCA we should see an even wider variety of powerplant/body combinations, with blower cars then becoming a factor.

The Agent suggests that if NMCA is going to do this, why not just adopt the World Street Nationals Super Pro Street rules? They're easy to enforce and proven to make competitive racing. Most racers the Agent has talked to wondered why NMCA didn't combine the two purses. Duh, here's a hint. Not enough cars and spectators causes the NMCA to cut back on races. Does anyone but the Agent think the NMCA also lost money? Just be happy if they still have a points fund!

BERNSTEIN TRIMS BEARD
Budweiser King owner and driver Kenny Bernstein has announced that Mike Green will immediately assume the crew chief role following the release of Lee Beard on October 21.

"Lee did a great job in many areas and certainly put forth a tremendous amount of effort," Bernstein said, "but the performance level these past two years fell short of our expectations. Making team changes is always a difficult decision."

At the close of this season, Johnny West, currently crew chief at Vandergriff Racing, will join the Budweiser team as assistant crew chief.

KUHLMANN INJURED IN FIRE AT VIRGINIA MOTORSPORTS PARK
After clinching his second Super Chevy Show Nitro Coupe championship Bill Kuhlmann had a severe engine explosion and fire during the first round of eliminations at Virginia. According to a witness, Kuhlmann had a massive engine failure/explosion with a subsequent massive fire. The same source told DRO that the explosion was so bad that when the crew dropped the pan on the engine to do a "post-mortem," the crank with seven rods and five pistons still attached came down with it.

According to reports Kuhlmann's fire was as bad as any seen recently. Safety crews got to the car very quickly, but because the car came to a stop with the driver's door very near the retaining wall, the emergency crews had to work through the passenger side door initially. Kuhlmann was reportedly trapped in the burning car for between 60 and 80 seconds before being removed. Apparently Kuhlmann's fire suit and gloves kept him from sustaining any serious burns other than on the nose. He did however inhale a lot of smoke and flames which damaged his lungs.

He reportedly is under heavy sedation as this is being written on October, 11, but is in stable condition. Kuhlmann is being cared for in the Burn Unit at the Medical College of Virginia, Evan Haynes Center, North Hospital. Cards and letters may be sent to
Bill Kuhlmann
P.O. Box 985872
Richmond, VA 23298-0872

NEW IHRA NATIONAL EVENT FOR FLORIDA?
The Agent hears that Florida is getting a new multi-purpose racing facility close to the area currently serviced by the Orlando Speedworld facility currently under the management of Carl Weisinger. According to published reports dated September 19, 2000 in Florida Today, the facility will be built in Brevard County just west of I-95 and could be in operation as soon as February-March of 2001. Interestingly, the operations manager for the track is former IHRA employee Bryan Starner and according to the report Starner says he has a written agreement from IHRA awarding the track at least one IHRA National Event. The facility will also include a road course and oval track.

FRACTURED PHOTO
Seen in the pits at Memphis. No comment.

YOU WANT FRIES WITH THAT SHAKE?
Ever wanted to see what tire shake looks like? DRO photographer Jeff Burk took this photo at the recent NHRA event at Memphis just after Warren Johnson's first round loss.