In his new position, Vestal will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of NHRA's Communications Department, including supervising national event media relations activities. That means he works WITH the press.

VOLPE MOVES TO MR. GASKET

Ollie Volpe has joined the Mr. Gasket Performance Group as Sales Manager - Special Markets. Based in Cleveland, he will be establishing a "Parts For The Professional" program that will be available to the nation's top engine builders and race teams in many different venues. Volpe will be responsible for marketing and new business development of Hurst, Lakewood and Hays products to these markets. Volpe has an extensive background of sales, marketing and development experiences from Moroso, Lingenfelter Performance, Jesel Valvetrain, Sonny's Automotive Racing and Reher-Morrison Racing Engines.

Besides, the Agent asks, how can you not trust a guy that looks so much like Santa?

87% NITRO RULE IN THE WORKS?
DRO West Coast correspondent and wannabe Agent 1320 Darr Hawthorne went on the NHRA bus tour and returned with some pretty interesting information concerning NHRA drag racing and drag racers. In a conversation with current Top Fuel points leader Kenny Bernstein concerning whether he thought the Top Fuel cars were going too fast, Bernstein said they were and that several of the top teams and drivers had been talking about reducing the nitro percentage from the current level of 90% to 87% to slow the cars down.

"I don't think we need to go 330...I don't think it is necessary. Fans love anything over 300 -- that's the magic number, 300. I don't think we need to go 330 or 335 or 340," Bernstein said.

ANOTHER FORCE IN DRAG RACING

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