SCELZI IN GOOD HANS
Gary Scelzi is wearing a HANS Device along with his helmet this season. The device is supposed to give added protection against the kind of devastating neck injuries that contributed to NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt's death. The Agent thinks the old adage "Better safe than sorry" applies. If you want more info go to www.hansdevice.com

 

 

 

 

THE AGENT SWINGS AND MISSES
In earlier speculation about Bob Hutchinson possibly buying the Texas Motorplex, the Agent said that 1/8-mile Kennedale Speedway Park was an IHRA track. It is, in fact, sanctioned by NHRA. Seems "the eyes of Texas are upon us…"

PRO PALACE REVOLT?
Apparently Alan Johnson either has plans for or wants to build his own design of cylinder blocks for nitro burners. Sources say that the proposed block would be a stronger, more durable piece than what is currently available to the racers. If approved it could make the fuelers run quicker and faster. Evidently it won't happen as it is rumored that the PRO and NHRA have some sort of agreement about prior approval of new parts being made available to the Fuel racers. It's all very mysterious. Sources have said that, in a fairly tense meeting of PRO members, Johnson's new block, at least for the time being, will not get approved. The question is, could Johnson build the block for his own use but not for re-sale? Strange days indeed, says the Agent.

DAVE SCHULTZ LOSES BATTLE TO CANCER
Six-time NHRA Winston Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Dave Schultz died February 10, after a six-month battle with colon cancer. He was 52. Schultz was diagnosed with the disease in early August and named John Smith as his replacement rider for the Sunoco Suzuki for several races while he received chemotherapy.

Schultz returned for one race at Houston's Matco Tools SuperNationals in October, claiming an emotional victory despite his weakened physical state. He is survived by his wife Meredith and children Brian and Kim.

The funeral and burial will be Saturday, Feb. 17 in Fort Myers, Fla. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pavilion.

DRO will have a remembrance of Dave Schultz in "The Finish Line," coming soon.

THE GREEK GETTING HELP FROM HIS FRIENDS
The Agent ran into Chris Karamesines at the "Cackle-fest" at the recently held NHRA Winternationals. Karamesines let on that he was going to take his car to the upcoming Gatornationals. What he didn't tell the Agent was that he is going to get a little extra help. DRO has learned that some of Greek's friends, led by fuel pump guru Sid Waterman, have hired Tim and Kim Richards to get Karamesines his four-second, 300 mph pass at Gainesville. The Richards have already been to Greek's shop in Chicago to see what additional parts Karamesines will need. Once those parts have been acquired, Kim and Tim will help tune the Greek's car at Gainesville so that he will get his four-second, 300 mph lap. A tip of the Agent's fedora to Sidney Waterman and all others involved. Go Greek!