ROCKINGHAM DRAGWAY INKS NEW 5-YEAR CONTRACTS

Newly-signed contracts between IHRA and Rockingham Dragway will assure that the Spring Nationals, the longest continuously run event in the Hooters series, and the season-ending IHRA World Finals will be contested at Rockingham through the 2008 season.

"This is a very big announcement for Rockingham Dragway and Richmond County," Rockingham track owner Steve Earwood said. "It's a credit to the support of the community and North Carolina race fans that the IHRA has opted to place two Hooters Drag Racing Series events

ADVERTISEMENT

at our track for five more years."

This was the final year in the original five-year contract for the Spring Nationals, which was previously contested at Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway. The World Finals was moved to Rockingham two years ago but had been operating under a series of one year contracts.

One of the factors in the decision to place the World Finals at the track the next five seasons was the signing of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority as the rights sponsor of the Saturday "Night of Fire" qualifying program at the event. The Richmond County "Night of Fire" sponsorship begins at the October 17-19 World Finals. [4-7-2003]

CHRIS VANDERGRIFF TO MAKE NHRA TOP FUEL DEBUT

Chris Vandergriff completed his Top Fuel licensing runs last season in anticipation that someday proper funding would be achieved and he could accomplish his life long goal of competing in the NHRA Top Fuel Dragster category on a national level. The 32-year-old General Manager of Hedman Husler Hedders has announced a one-race marketing agreement with Alps Spas located in Norcross, GA for the May 1-4 Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals presented by Pontiac. Veteran fuel crew chief Terry Manzer will be the crew chief on the car. [4-7-2003]

RACERS VOLUNTEER FOR CORDOVA PROJECTS

The day was cold and brisk, but the enthusiasm was high as the Cordova (IL) Dragway Park season got underway with the 8th Annual "Volunteer Day." More than 100 people were in attendance to complete a variety of projects. Construction was completed on the Jennifer Koehler Pavilion as 14 yards of concrete was poured by the volunteer crew lead by motorcycle and dragster racer, Dan Beale. In addition, crews cleaned the grounds, painted buildings, spread rock, mended fences and much more. Lunch was provided Island Park Catering of Cordova, Illinois and Victory Light Chapels provided desserts for the volunteer crew.

The Agent says, the food must have been pretty good, because how else can you explain racers volunteering to work for a track promoter? What is Scott Gardner doing right? [4-7-2003]