OHIO CRANKSHAFT TO GIVE CASH INCENTIVE AT DARLINGTON

The Pro Modified racers in competition at this weekend's Radiac Abrasives WinterNationals at Darlington International Dragway will have a little extra incentive to go quick. Ohio Crankshaft, Greenville, Ohio, will add a $250 cash prize to the low elapsed time for both the supercharged and nitrous oxide-aided cars.

"I just want to support the racers who compete in this challenging category,"said Ohio Crankshaft owner Stan Ray. ìThis added dollar incentive should help the racers run hard and put on a great show for the fans.î

Ohio Crankshaft is associate sponsor of Scott Rayís CARQUEST-backed supercharged Corvette.

The Pro Mods will also be trying to break the 5-second e.t. barrier at the historic South Carolina track and Pro Stockers will be attempting to run 6.40's. (Steve Gruenwald photo) [2-12-2003]

SHIRLEY CALLS IT QUITS

It was officially announced at the Winternationals that legendary three-time NHRA top fuel champ Shirley Muldowney will be hanging up her helmet after the 2003 season.

"The Last Pass" tour will be Muldowney's chance to meet and greet her legions of fans at Gainesville, Englishtown, the US Nationals, Chicago, Vegas 2, and the Pomona Finals. Of course, Action Collectables will provide financial backing and offer her fans four different diecast cars culminating in her "Last Pass" miniature.

Muldowney began her drag racing career in 1965 and is still the only woman to have won Top Fuel Eliminator at the US Nationals. In addition to her NHRA career, she won the 1987 AHRA title and has won several IHRA events. [2-12-2003]

NEW OWNER FOR HEARTLAND PARK TOPEKA

Heartland Park Topeka may have a new owner in the next two weeks to remove any doubt that the multi-use motorsports facility would close, according to published reports. Veteran racer Ray Irwin of Rockton, IL has been negotiating since last September is now finalizing a deal to acquire ownership of HPT.

ADVERTISEMENT

Irwin and his brother own Blackhawk Farms Raceway, a 1.95-mile road course facility near Beloit, Wisconsin and Ray will move to Topeka and manage the day-to-day operation of HPT.

Irwin, who hopes to have the deal finalized by the end of February, indicated that he'd tackle the Heartland Park suppliers who haven't been paid by the previous owner and they will be his main concern once the agreement is completed. "We're going to review every one of them," Irwin said of the outstanding bills.

The new management will concentrate on the scheduled races with NHRA, SCCA, and others, but O'Reilly Motor Speedway, the dirt track at Heartland Park Topeka will not operate in 2003. [2-12-2003]

NEXT PAGE >>