'BODIE' GETS LEG FIXED

John "Bodie" Smith, driver of the Prestone Products Top Fuel dragster, underwent the fourth surgery on his left leg which was injured August 2001 in an accident at Brainerd, MN. The surgery included removing the supporting rod surrounding the tibia, two ankle screws and an ankle plate used to fuse the shattered ankle bone. Smith will undergo physical therapy during the off-season.

"The doctors advised John to remove the metal hardware as a preventative measure," explained his wife and teammate, Rhonda Hartman-Smith. "The rods and plates would severely impact the leg if it were re-injured in the future. We are confident that John will be back on his feet shortly." (Bryan Ellis photo) [12-11-2003]

McCULLOCH RETURNS TO TF WITH HERBERT

Doug Herbert took what he believes is the final step to improving the performance of his Snap-on Top Fuel dragster with the hiring of Ed "Ace" McCulloch as team manager/tuner.

McCulloch, a former Top Fuel and Funny Car driver, will be returning to Top Fuel after tuning Funny Cars for almost four years. Before working on Ron Capps' and Tommy Johnson's Funny Cars, McCulloch tuned Top Fuel drivers Scott Kalitta and Doug Kalitta (in photo with McCulloch).

"It's certainly a very welcome change for me to go from Funny Cars to dragsters," said McCulloch, "and I am really excited to be going to a single-car team. It will be good to

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focus on just one car."

Herbert began the 2003 NHRA season thinking he had an opportunity to finish in the top five. But the team experienced a variety of mechanical misfortunes and the Cherryville, NC driver slipped from seventh to ninth in points.

Herbert added that Ron Douglas will remain as crew chief and Jim Brissette returns as the team consultant.

"I know everybody wants instant success whenever someone new comes on board," McCulloch said. "But Doug and I agree that one of the most important things we must do is concentrate on winning rounds. When you win rounds, then you win races, and when you win races, then you can win championships." (Jeff Burk photo) [12-09-2003]