LAMBECK COMING BACK

The Agent has learned that legendary door car racer Bob Lambeck is returning to the drag racing scene with a new Comp Eliminator car. According to the Agent's source, Lambeck is having Vic Custer of East Tex Race Cars build a 2003 Chevy Cavalier with a small block for power. The car will weigh about 2900lbs and should run in the 8.50's. [11-15-2002]

ANOTHER MAZZARELLA IN THE BIZ

Jay Mazzarella, son of Strange Engineering's John Mazzeralla, has opened a custom paint shop in Indianapolis. According to Mazz the shop will only take in one vehicle at a time and when that one is finished they will start on the next. For reservations and information call 317-745-9168. [11-15-2002]

DIXON, FORCE AMONG NOMINEES FOR DRIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD

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NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series champions Larry Dixon and John Force are among the nominees for the prestigious Driver of the Year Award, it was announced recently by Barry Schmoyer, president of the Driver of the Year Foundation. Other nominees include stock car driver Tony Stewart and open wheel racers Cristiano da Matta and Sam Hornish Jr.

"It's always an honor to be considered one of the top drivers, Force said. "When I won (the Driver of the Year Award) in 1996, I didn't really know what it was all about but I knew it was something (Dale) Earnhardt and Richard Petty and Mario Andretti had won before me, so it definitely was a big deal," Force said. "Bottom line, it's one of those awards that just to be in the running is something I'm proud of. I think it says a lot about how far our sport has come and where it's going."

Force is the only drag racer to ever win the Driver of the Year Award. Last year's winner was stock car driver Jeff Gordon. [11-15-2002]

DENSHAM REVIEWS THE TROOPS

Where do you go after the drag racing season is over? Former high school teacher and current Funny Car driver Gary Densham joined a crew of 6,000 men and women aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vincent for maneuvers off the Pacific Coast in which Navy and Marine Corps pilots were being certified for carrier operations. Densham, who as the chief spokesperson for the Auto Club's Youth and Education Program each year addresses more than 60 student groups across the country, was on board to show his support for young naval personnel, most of whom are not far removed from high school.

"It's because of the efforts of the men and women in our armed services that I usually get to spend the weekends doing what I love, which is drag racing," Densham said. "So to have the opportunity to go on board the Carl Vincent and show these young people how much they are appreciated was a wonderful experience. Plus, there was a big bonus for me. We not only made some new friends for the Auto Club and drag racing but I can say I feel a whole lot better about the security of the country having met the young people entrusted with it."

The USS Carl Vincent, whose home port is Bremerton, Wash., was the first aircraft carrier to launch air strikes from the North Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. (photo by Ron Lewis) [11-15-2002]

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