SKUZA-PALOOZA ADDS MEAT LOAF

NHRA Funny Car driver Dean Skuza will debut a special paint scheme with recording star Meat Loaf at Infineon Raceway's NHRA Fram Autolite Nationals, August 1-3. Action Collectibles is producing a 1/24 scale die-cast collectible of the Couldn't Have Said It Better race car, promoting the upcoming release of Meat Loaf's new album and the North American leg of his world tour. The car is one in a series that fans are calling "Skuza-palooza," as the 36-year-old drag racer from Cleveland, Ohio, in conjunction with Knockout

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Talent Inc., ran three races earlier this year with a sponsorship from Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wilde and his band, Black Label Society.

Skuza and Meat Loaf came together last November for this partnership. "We met him last year on a short tour that came through Cleveland. He's a really cool guy--we talked about sports, music, racing--you name it. He's a very bright man and the theatrical emphasis that he brings to his rock and roll show is something that few other performers can provide. His fame is far reaching and could help to bring us the attention that it takes to land a major sponsorship for 2004."

The famed artist, born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas, will make a special visit to the Sonoma, California race on Sunday, August 3, in Dean Skuza's pit at 10:00 am. [7-25-2003]

MOPAR RENEWS HEMI CHALLENGE BACKING

Mopar Performance Parts has renewed its sponsorship with the NHRA to sponsor the Hemi Challenge for the second consecutive year. The Mopar Performance Parts Super Stock Hemi Challenge will take place on Friday, Aug. 29, during the 49th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis Raceway Park. More than 25 1968 SS/AA Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts will compete for the $10,000 bonus awarded to the winner of the Hemi Challenge. [7-25-2003]

LUCAS BACKS KALIVODA

Lucas Oil recently announced their sponsorship of Seattle-native Brady Kalivoda for the CARQUEST NHRA Nationals in Kent, Washington. Kalivoda will drive the Lucas Oil / NitroFish.com Top Fuel dragster at Pacific Raceways, July 25-27. He will have additional support from NitroFish.com, Mac Tools, Cruzin' Magazine, and 1320 Diecast for the event. [7-25-2003]