PRO 5.0 MUSTANGS RETURN TO CANADA

The PRO 5.0 Mustangs will compete in the J&P Performance Shootout at the renovated Toronto Motorsports Park (formerly Cayuga International Dragway) on July 26-28. Steve Grebeck, Doug Mangrum, Chuck Samuel/Kevin Marsh and Joe DaSilva are expected to race at the event. Also on the schedule will be the Ontario Street Car Assn. The competition is open to all GM and Chrysler vehicles.

NEW TIRE FLAT IN PERFORMANCE?

A new drag racing tire caused the Skoal Racing team's crew chiefs, Ed "Ace" McCulloch (Green) and Mike Green (Blue), some consternation during preseason testing at Phoenix.

"When the conditions are good, the tire isn't that big a factor," said McCulloch. "But when conditions are anything but good, the tire will be a factor. (Using them) is going to a real challenge. The only good thing is that all the teams will be having the same problems."

Warren Johnson predicted it's "going to be different with the new tires. You may not see the stellar numbers (elapsed times) at Pomona if conditions aren't good," he added. "I think the tires may bring the driver back into the race because he may have to pedal (the throttle) at least once during Sunday's eliminations if he's going to win the race. The cars have been having trouble getting down the tracks in the heat.

"I like the idea of trying to out-drive the other guy, to do what we're getting paid to do. Even though I like the big elapsed times and speeds, I welcome the opportunity to try and out-drive the other guy."

WJ LOOKS FORWARD TO GLIDDEN'S RETURN

Pro Stock driver Warren Johnson relishes the prospect of racing Bob Glidden, his long-time rival, when Glidden returns to the circuit behind the wheel of Steve Schmidt's Grand Am.

"It's good for Bob and it's good for the sport to have him back," said Johnson, who surpassed Glidden's 85 career victories last July. "He still has thousands of avid fans."

Glidden is one of only 11 drivers who have a winning record against Johnson. The pair raced 74 times before Glidden's retirement in 1997, with Glidden taking 43 victories to W.J.'s 31. The final-round record favors Glidden over Johnson, 12-6.

"A Glidden vs. Johnson final round would be monumental," Warren declared, "and it's not out of the realm of possibility. It would certainly show that experience and knowledge are more important than a lavish budget."

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