CLOSER TO A DECISION AT FORCE'S?

When the Finals hit Pomona, so did almost all of the available funny car drivers with a helmet and driving suit. The list includes, but is not limited to Canadian Todd Paton, Mopar Pro Stock driver Gene Wilson and reached all the way to the UK with nitro driver John Carter. The Agent hears that one of the odds-on favorites is Eric Medlin, son of Syntec crewchief John Medlin. Apparently Force likes Eric, his size, his age, his attitude and is certainly a reward for dad tuning the Mustang to the POWERade Funny Car Championship. Most important, Eric comes from within the Force organization.

The Agent keeps hearing that Force would like to find a way to hold onto his old friend and AAA Mustang driver Gary Densham who cranked off a 4.749/327.43 in the Saturday morning session for the No. 2 slot behind team member Tony Pedregon. With mentors like Force and Densham, Eric Medlin would have lots of help learning the ropes while piloting the 2003 No. 1 flopper, tuned by his dad. [11-10-2003]

SNAKE LOOKING 'SPORTY'?

Sure Melanie Troxel is a looker, but there may be a healthy sponsor hiding in the Snake's hospitality motorhome looking at backing the future Mrs. Tommy Johnson.

Prudhomme has mentioned to the Agent that he wants to field a second digger with the two-time Miller Lite car, but a major sponsor was the key. A half-dozen closed-door meetings were held in the Snake Racing pit with potential backers, but as of Sunday nothing was signed.

Also seen in the Snake's pit over the weekend were representatives of a major Japanese car manufacturer who are already players in F1 and soon will be entering the fray in NASCAR Craftsman trucks. They might be looking at the Sport Compact series with Snake Racing participation. (Zak Hawthorne photo) [11-10-2003]

ONO NAMED SALES MANAGER FOR NHRA'S SPORT COMPACT SERIES

Ryan Ono has been named Sport Compact Sales Manager, NHRA officials announced. Ono, 32, has been with the NHRA since June 1997. He has worked in various capacities throughout his tenure, including positions in marketing and facility operation. In his new

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role, Ono will be responsible for all sales initiatives regarding event title right sponsorship, official product status, and sponsorships for the series and the individual classes of competition.

"Being named Sports Compact Sales Manager is a great opportunity in one of the fastest-growing forms of motorsports around," said Ono. "The NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series is three-years old and the potential for growth and promotion is limitless. I hope to use my experience from other related experiences at NHRA to maximize on the prospects that are available and demonstrate to future clients the benefits of being involved with the sport compact series." [11-10-2003]