RIEGER GETTING NEW PM FROM McAMIS...MAYBE

The Agent reported earlier that Bob Rieger was getting his new Pro Mod from Jerry Bickel. He reported this fact because Rieger told the Agent that he was getting another car from Bickel despite problems he had dialing in his current '57. Now comes the news that Rieger has been seen at Tim McAmis' shop several times to be fitted for the new '57 shoebox that he is getting from McAmis. Can you believe it? -- a racer led the Agent astray. Oh well, that's why the word rumor is in the title for this department, folks.

ROMINE AND HERBERT TO TEAM UP
AGAIN IN 2002

Top Fuel competitors Paul Romine and Doug Herbert have reached an agreement to continue fielding the CARQUEST Auto Parts Top Fuel team as part of Doug Herbert Motorsports for the 2002 racing season.

"Doug (Herbert) and myself have been pleased with our agreement for this season," said Romine, who merged his Aerolite Racing team with Herbert's Snap-on Tools team following the 2000 racing season. "With Herbert Motorsports continuing to manage the CARQUEST Top Fuel team, the future is bright for continued success in IHRA and a promising outlook for NHRA competition."

Overseeing the Romine team is Mike McLaughlin, who tuned Don Lampus to an IHRA championship in 1999. McLaughlin will continue as Romine's tuner with Sam Shockley the crew chief.

STEVENSON ADDED TO NHRA COMMUNICATIONS STAFF

Gabrielle Stevenson has been hired as a media relations manager for the National Hot Rod Association, NHRA Director of Media Relations Anthony Vestal announced.

Stevenson, 26, joins the NHRA following a career in which she has held sports writing positions for a variety of Bay Area newspapers. During the last year she worked as motorsports writer for the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek, Calif. She also has penned sports stories for the Vallejo Times-Herald, Auburn Journal and Daily Republic in Fairfield, Calif.

In her new position, Stevenson will provide national event media relations for the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series, as well as for other NHRA racing programs and series. In addition, she will write press releases, help with research and statistical projects, maintain relationships with national media outlets and contribute to the NHRA media guide and other NHRA Communications Dept. publications.