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GEOFFRION AWAITS ESCORT DELIVERY

Scott Geoffrion had hoped to take delivery of his new Ford Escort ZX2 Pro Stock racecar before the K&N Filters Winternationals, but builder Don Ness simply couldn't have it race-ready for another week.

"Ness just ran out of time," a somewhat dejected Geoffrion explained. "Building this one-of-a-kind car was a major task because we started from scratch. Body molds needed to be made and it just takes longer to complete the project.

In the meantime, Geoffrion will drive the Hurley Blakeney-owned Ford Mustang he drove in the final nine 2002 events. The new car is expected to debut at Pheonix.[2-4-2003]

THORNTON SETS PSCA RECORD

At the recent Pacific Street Car Association Winter Nationals in Phoenix, Pro Street competitor Ed Thornton placed his twin turbocharged 1969 Camaro Pro Street firmly into the record books, resetting the PSCA E.T. record to 6.709. Thornton, of Chino Hills, CA, and his Tom's Differential's Racing team posted a 6.73 on his first attempt Saturday. That run was a full tenth quicker than his previous best of 6.82 which he ran in November of 2002. After making a few adjustments to his MoTeC Engine Management System, Thornton returned for the second session in the afternoon and posted a 6.709 at 209.4 mph. The previous 6.73 provided the PSCA mandated one percent back-up for the 6.70.

Thornton's 2950 lb. Camaro features an all-aluminum 440 cubic inch small block Chevrolet with Twin 80mm Precision Turbochargers with intercoolers and a full MoTeC Engine Management System, and has produced more than 2000 Horsepower using gasoline for fuel. [2-4-2003]

WHO'S ON FIRST?

With three race cars and three crews to juggle, it must be hard to keep track on the Don Schumacher Racing team. The Agent suggests some organizational flow charts. Here's the break-down as we understand it: Lee Beard continues as crew chief for Whit Bazemore's Matco Tools Funny car. Mike "Zippy" Neff moves from Scotty Cannon's car to Gary Scelzi's Oakley Dodge. Dan Olson, who tuned Tony Schumacher's dragster last year, will be co-crew chief on both Bazemore's and Scelzi's cars. Phil Shuler takes over as Cannon's crew chief. Wes Cerny is the crew chief on Schumacher's dragster. Whew. [2-4-2003]

WHISNANT MAKES TEAM CHANGES

With only days until the start of the 2003 POWERade Drag Racing season, Mark and Reid Whisnant have made major changes within their RW Performance Pro Stock team. Two days before leaving for testing in Houston Texas, The Whisnants' hired Markus Svensson and Gary Pearman as co-crew chiefs on their Chevrolet Cavalier.

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"It all happened very fast," said Mark Whisnant, driver of the RW Performance machine. "Five days before we were supposed to leave for Houston to test we lost two key employees. Losing crewmembers so close to the start of the season is a tough situation to be placed in.

"Right away I got on the phone and stared making calls. I found out that both Markus and Gary where available, and wanted to come to work for us. Both of them have excellent credentials, years of Pro Stock experience, and individual talents to bring to the team." [2-4-2003]

PAPADEAS UPDATE

Main Event Video director Dean Papadeas and son Andy, who were severely injured in a car accident in January, have been released from the hospital and are recuperating. Andy's back was broken and he is in a body cast. The elder Papadeas has broken ribs on the mend and has a plate in his pelvis. Now that he has plenty of time on his hands, Papadeas has been enjoying the new design of Drag Racing Online. "Love the new look of your mag," he told DRO. High praise, which the Agent and the rest of the DRO staff appreciate. [2-4-2003]

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