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POLITICS AND DRAG RACING SHOULDN'T
MIX
The Agent read a piece off the AP wire written
by Bowling Green, Ky. reporter Joe Biesk that
chronicled a dispute between a Kentucky judge
and Bowling Green's Beech Bend Raceway Park
owner/operator Dallas Jones. Seems like a judge
currently running for office and the track owner
are on opposite sides of the political fence
and Jones is backing the judge's opponent in
a re-election race. To make a long story short,
the politico that claims ownership of at least
part of an access road is threatening to prevent
its use as an entryway to the track. That road
is the only one into the track that semi-trucks
and trailers can use to get into the track.
The track owner says the road belongs to the
county.
According to Biesk's story, California-based
ProMedia, the sponsor of two major events there,
refused to sign a contract extension beyond
this year because of the pending dispute. Not
being able to use the road would have to severely
impact the ability of the track to hold an NHRA
points meet or the Nostalgia event. We'll keep
you informed.
[10-15-2003]
SNAKE SPEAK WITH FORKED TONGUE?
Don Prudhomme as heard on Wind Tunnel commenting
on the new funny car bodies...
"We'll be testing in early January."
"It's definitely a Chevrolet."
"It's kind of like one of the ones they run
in Winston Cup, but (jokingly) I can't say anything,
it's a secret, it's cool looking." [10-15-2003]
HELL HATH NO FURY. . .
A bit of controversy at Dallas when Pro Stock
Bike rider Joe Scatella rolled up with one of
his sponsor's names on his leathers. Seems NHRA
officials had a problem with "Hell's Angels"
appearing in writing at one of their events.
After taping over the name for one pass, the
bike team then reportedly told NHRA, "Too bad.
They're our sponsor. The name stays." The El
Sobrante, Colorado-based team ran 6.89/208 but
did not qualify for the event. (Ron Lewis photo)
[10-15-2003]
GOODGUYS DEFINITELY GET FUNNY
As a result of the crowd-pleasing reaction
and solid performance of the handful of funny
cars making passes at the recent California
Hot Rod Reunion (see our coverage in Special
Section) the Agent has learned that Goodguys
will introduce Nitro Funny Cars into their Vintage
Racing Association competition for 2004.
The classic floppers will return to the quarter-mile
for the March Meet, Las Vegas, Pomona and the
Nitro Finals at Famoso, running a minimum of
70% to a max of 85% nitro. These retro cars
will be limited to 20 gallon per minute fuel
pumps, a transmission - no high gear set-ups,
traditional mag, and small blowers, but most
should be able to hit the mid-six second zone.
Word is that there are a few A/Fuel nostalgia
hitters looking into parking their rides with
the expenses and hassles of NHRA Comp Eliminator
to have some fun in a funny car.
We're glad to see them back. (Darr
Hawthorne photo) [10-15-2003]
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