The Agent also hears that at least on some levels SFX/IHRA is considering adding Nitro Funny cars down the line. If this were to happen, then running with IHRA would be even more attractive to teams like Prudhomme's and Schumacher's, which field both Top Fuelers and Funny Cars. And just to add fuel to the fire, what if Force finally gets his Top Fuel car running? He has a long relationship with some of the IHRA track owners. Perhaps Force might consider running at selected IHRA events for "testing" purposes.

The Agent hears that when SFX bought IHRA, NHRA officials went to three prominent team owners, two of which are still driving, and tried to influence them not to jump ship. So far the first real indication that any of the NHRA stars might consider moving is the Prudhomme rumor.

Has everybody forgotten that not so long ago plenty of NHRA's stars could be found running at IHRA events in both Top Fuel and Funny Car? It could happen again.
(Jeff Burk photo)

NMCA IS OK FOR REST OF THE SEASON

DRO has been getting lots of phone calls and inquiries about the supposed folding of NMCA. Most of the callers had either heard a rumor or seen something on the Internet. So DRO made a couple of calls and we believe that we can give racers the assurance that, at least through the end of the year, NMCA will be running. We heard a rumor that Memphis Motorsports Park had already cancelled their event. We called Pete Wickham of Dover Downs Entertainment and asked. He called back in about an hour and assured us that the race date was still firm and that they were looking forward to the event. We then called a couple of our sources at the old Petersen Publishing, including NMCA head man Pete Duhart. Duhart assured us that even though the rumors that Emap USA was for sale were true, that situation didn't affect the rest of the 2001 NMCA season.

"I have signed contracts for the rest of the 2001 NMCA race schedule. In addition Emap/Petersen has put up the $100,000 points fund. It will be paid at the end of the season. We're especially looking forward to Memphis, the birthplace of this kind of racing, we've got a lot of special things planned for that event," Duhart told DRO.

In addition, DRO called Car Craft Magazine publisher, Jim Adolph, who administrates the Car Craft All-Star program and he told us that at least some of the NMCA classes would be on the ballot. That doesn't assure that all of the NMCA races will be run but it is certainly a favorable factor.
(Jeff Burk file photo)

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