BUCKY AUSTIN LOSES SHOP TO FIRE

Word came across Agent 1320's desk that perennial Northwest Division 6 Alcohol Funny Car racer Bucky Austin lost his entire race shop in Fife, Washington over last weekend.

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Austin, currently number four in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, was away competing at a Divisional meet in Medford, Oregon when the electrical fire started. The fire soon engulfed and destroyed the office & race shop. The contents housing his extensive muscle car collection, a nostalgia dragster, and tons of racing trophies and memorabilia were a total loss when the roof collapsed. The only remaining rolling stock were the funny car and transporter he had out on the road. Luckily, his home was spared. (photo by Zak Hawthorne) [9-27-2002]

SNAYKO LOSES BATTLE TO CANCER

Bob Snayko, a 1960's racing photographer from the Detroit area, passed away September 21 after battling cancer for most of the year. Several of Snayko's photos have graced the pages of Drag Racing Online. The Agent will miss a great chronicler of the drag racing scene. [9-27-2002]

CRUZ CHANGES CREW CHIEF

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In a surprise move, Cruz Pedregon Racing and crew chief Ted Fasching parted company at the close of last weekend's NHRA Memphis race. The "amicable parting" also includes crew members Gene and Troy Fasching. At Memphis, Cruz qualified 14th and went out in the first round at the hand of John Force.

The replacement for Fasching is the multi-talented Bob Brooks who will join team consultant Bill Schultz as crew chief. Brooks was most recently a technical advisor for Jim Dunn's K&N Funny Car, driven by Frank Pedregon. Clutch wizard Brooks will assume duties at the Craftsman 75th Anniversary NHRA Nationals in Chicago.

Since the race team had been headquartered in Ted Fasching's Minneapolis shop, the team will probably be relocating to the SoCal area after the Finals in Pomona. [9-27-2002]