BAKER INCHING UP ON NITROUS

IHRA's Mike Baker took a step to try and close the performance gap between the nitrous oxide-injected and the supercharged Pro Modifieds by giving the nitrous cars an additional 25 cubic inches to a maximum of 740.

Kudos from the Agent to Baker for making a positive move. According to nitrous racers that the Agent talked to about this, the decision will help them, but the question remains -- will it be enough? [4-18-2003]

ROOKIE MISTAKE

In his latest Burk's Blast, DRO's esteemed editor wondered why NHRA Pro Mod veteran Cody McManama had to make a licensing pass at Rockingham, NC, before attempting to qualify for his first IHRA event.

The Agent clarified with IHRA Tech Director Mike Baker that Cody Mac wasn't actually getting licensed, he merely was asked to make a solo pass since Baker wasn't familiar with him as a driver. Otherwise, it wouldn't have counted as a qualifying attempt -- which it did -- Baker said. Top Fuel drivers John Smith and Rhonda Hartman-Smith were not subject to the same requirement in San Antonio, he explained, because he already was familiar with their abilities. "There's no cookie-cutter rule, it's a decision to be made, which is why they (IHRA) have me here," Baker said. [4-18-2003]

BRISTOL TV PLAYDATES

Here is the television schedule for the NHRA Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway April 25-27.

April 26: ESPN2, Qualifying, 10 -11 p.m. (ET)
April 27: ESPN2, NHRA2Day, 9:30 a.m. (ET)
April 27: ESPN2, Eliminations (early), 6-7 p.m. (ET)
April 27: ESPN2, Eliminations (finals) 10:00 p.m. -midnight (ET)
April 28: ESPN2, Repeat: Eliminations (finals) 3-5 p.m. (ET) [4-18-2003]

WOODWARD, WITHEROW, LEAD IHRA SUMMIT SUPER SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The second weekend of racing for the IHRA Summit SuperSeries presented by Pontiac saw an increase in racers and tracks, with 63 tracks currently enrolled in the program. With the improved weather, many of these tracks opened to their racers, hoping one of

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them will be crowned 2003 Summit World Champion. While the program rewards the two winning drivers with $100,000 prize packages, the track receives a Sunoco Cash Bonus and the prestige of housing the best sportsman racer in the country.

Jay Woodward, of Culpepper, VA, currently leads the No Box (No-Electronics) national standings. Racing car number DX04 at Sumerduck Dragway, Woodward started this season right where he left off last year. In 2002, he finished first place at his track and nearly won division 1, losing to Kenny Jones of Elk Creek Dragway. Also racing at Sumerduck Dragway is current Box (Electronics) leader Steve Witherow, car number LX28. Witherow finished sixth last year at his track.

What's on the line? In addition to the title of Summit World Champion, drivers are competing for two $100,000 prize packages. No Box: $55,500, a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, a Reher-Morrison 555 Super Series racing engine, a Ray Price Harley-Davidson Buell Blast. Box: $55,500, a Turnkey Worthy/Sunset Dragster. [4-18-2003]

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