NASCAR TAKING A TIP FROM DRAG RACING

NASCAR is reportedly working to develop a roof escape hatch similar to those used on today's on Funny Cars. The larger, taller drivers like Michael Waltrip and Dale Jarrett have expressed concern about climbing through the current driver's window in a hurry. NASCAR's new Research & Development Center near Charlotte is working on the project.

The Agent wonders how the larger driver is going to get to the new escape hatch and if mandatory burnouts might be next. [2-19-2003]

5.985 - PRO MODS EDGING CLOSER IN DARLINGTON

The temperature is 55 degrees and the track surface temp is 83 degrees with a corrected altimeter of 500-feet below sea level. The competition is hot already in the race to the 5-second elapsed time for the Pro Modifieds at the Radiac Abrasives WinterNationals at Darlington International Dragway. Mitch Stott, with Jimmy Rector tuning, turned in the quickest time so far with these incrementals: 60-ft: .967; 330-ft: 2.575; 660-ft: 3.894 at 187.77-mph; 1000-ft: 5.022; 1320-ft: 5.985 at 231.42-mph. The Radiac Abrasives car weighed 2505 lbs.

Scott Ray followed with a career-best 6.24 at 220 mph. Ray's CARQUEST-sponsored Corvette was carrying 2700 lbs. [2-14-2003]

SPEED CHANNEL TO CARRY IHRA RACES

IHRA President Bill Bader announced SPEED Channel as the television broadcast partner for the 2003 Hooters Drag Racing Series. SPEED Channel will air 24 hours of original IHRA programming, with each broadcast replaying at least once. The deal brings the series a minimum of 48 hours of airtime in 2003, a 100 percent increase over the 2002 television schedule.

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"This is the best television package IHRA has enjoyed. Many broadcasts will enjoy airings on the east and west coasts with the potential for a third airing later in the season," Bader added. "In addition to coverage and promotion on "SpeedNews" and related programming, SPEED Channel provides a showcase for IHRA's continued growth and will introduce fans of all types of motor sports to our exciting and unique brand of competition."

Events will be taped in two-hour blocks with Top Fuel and Pro Modified headlining the first one-hour broadcast and Funny Car and Pro Stock the second. Race coverage will also feature results from national event sportsman racing, the Summit World Championship and the GM Performance Parts Top Stock Championship. [2-14-2003]

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