IT'S A MERC, YOU JERK

Many years ago when DRO editor Jeff Burk was taking pictures of the Pro Mod racers at the first USSC race at Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey, he asked USSC star driver "Animal" Jim Feurer to move his "Ford" which was actually a Mercury Zephyr. Feurer replied "It's a Merc, you jerk." He was right then and he's still right and still racing.

After retiring the Zephyr known as "Zeke" a few years ago, the "Animal" ran a T-Bird built by nearby chassis builder Rick Jones. After the 2001 UDRA season Feurer, who not only raced with but also served as president of the UDRA, sold the T-Bird. He claims 2002 will be his last season and he's going to bring the Zephyr out of retirement for one more season. Since Jim Feurer has retired at least as many times as Don Garlits -- and they are both still bolting their old bones into the seat of a race car -- we will take this latest "retirement" with a dose of Nitrous Oxide.

Feurer told DRO he will be mostly match racing Todd Shepherd's blown Hemi-powered '63 Plymouth wagon. Seems like the UDRA has stupidly decided to ban the crowd-pleasing Plymouth from their Pro Mod class. Don't miss this pair if they come to a track near you. You never know when "Zeke" will decide to fly. If you want to book Zeke and the Animal or just buy some of Jim's classy evening wear call him at 309-246-8556. (Jeff Burk photo)

PRIMEDIA MAGAZINES PRESENT IDRC CLASSES

Three magazines from publishing giant Primedia will be returning as presenters of Import Drag Racing Circuit classes. Sport Compact Car will present the Street Class, Turbo & High-Tech Performance will present the Quick class for its fifth year in a row, and Import Tuner will continue its presentation of the All-Motor Class.

"Working with the magazines has allowed the sport compact racing industry to reach new heights at a record pace," said IDRC National Director Michael Ferrara. "For 2002, we are excited to be working closer with the magazines to provide total marketing solutions for the manufacturers."

CONGRATULATIONS, MR & MRS WHIT BAZEMORE

Whit Bazemore, driver of the Matco Tools Funny Car was married to Michelle Mercer December 8 on the island of Anguilla in the British West Indies. Whit and Michelle are avid cyclists-It's what originally brought them together. Michelle competes in road and track cycling events in the Midwest and Eastern states.

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