MOROSO COMING BACK TO NHRA?

Rick Moroso, head of the Moroso Performance Parts empire and a regular on the NMCA circuit where he won his first National Event last year, sent the Agent a few shots of his latest project. He is renovating the 'Vette that his dad, Dick, drove to many NHRA Modified wins and is at least considering returning to NHRA competition in the Comp Eliminator division. When the car is finished he'll put the Bishoff Engine Service small block Chevy he ran last year in his NMCA car between the fenders and run either NMCA or NHRA.

The Agent thinks it would be cool to see the name Moroso on the entry list at a NHRA national event again. Say at the U.S. Nationals. [1-31-2003]

STAR RACING TWINKLES OUT

Proving that winning a championship does not guarantee success, NHRA Pro Stock Bike champion Angelle Savoie and Star Racing have been unable to find a major sponsor and cannot afford to campaign this year.

"We fully expected to be racing in 2003, defending our title and helping Angelle win her fourth consecutive championship," explained team owner George Bryce. "We've exhausted every possible option, but unfortunately could not come up with a workable solution."

The Suzuki that Angelle rode to her 2002 championship will be for sale, along with some of the engines.

Angelle plans on concentrating on her Suzuki dealership, but adds, "I will be keeping my door open for anything I can do in the NHRA." (Jeff Burk photo) [1-31-2003]

MOPAR TO SPONSOR DRAG CITY

Mopar has announced that they have signed a multiyear deal with Drag City in Banning, California that will give them the title rights to the facility, which will now be called "Mopar Drag City."

Mopar Drag City founder and developer, Andy Marocco said, "We are excited about working with Mopar because of their drag racing heritage, and their sincere interest in our vision of a 'racer's' track. With the support of Mopar, we have a tremendous opportunity to resurrect the southern California drag racing scene to its former glory."

Economists predict that once the facility is fully operational, it will have a $35 million annual impact on the local economy.

"With 20 million people living within 100 miles of Mopar Drag City," explained Kevin Miller, Senior Manager, Mopar Brand Excitement, "it's easy to understand the importance and significance of supporting a safe place to race for southern California drag racers."

Racing will begin at Mopar Drag City sometime this summer, while the track's first professional event is the season ending, Mopar-sponsored NOPI Race Wars World Finals, set for October 18-19. For tickets and information regarding Mopar Drag City, call (909) 874-5198, or take a virtual drag at www.mopardragcity.com. [1-30-2003]

ZOMBIE BACK FROM THE DEAD

Rob Bruce, who suffered a bad fire in his 1970 "Zombie" Firebird at last year's Funny Car Reunion up in Englishtown, NJ, has the car rebuilt and ready to go with nitro Chevy power between the frame rails. Bruce also is in the midst of building a hemi-powered 1969 Charger-bodied flopper, also destined for the nostalgia circuit. (Photo by Ian Tocher) [1-30-2003]

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