MORE CUBIC INCH NOTES

Agent 1320 has learned that nitrous racers Billy Harper, Ed Hoover, and Paul Athey all have taken delivery and are racing using new engine combinations ranging from a 630 inch motor for Athey to a 640 inch Gene Fulton engine for Harper. Anyone want to bet the Agent that Shannon Jenkins and Rickie Smith probably also have engines bigger than 715ci? The book is open! [7-14-2003]

SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION

DRO Editor Jeff Burk is going to make a guest appearance on the "In the Pits" Racing Radio Wednesday July 16th at 6-7 PM (ET), thanks to the show's producer Larry O'Donohue. It could be the Burkster's first and last guest spot, so if you want to hear the show live and unedited tune into www.inthepitsradio.com. Your critiques of his work will be read and ignored, as usual. [7-14-2003]

TWO SPORT COMPACT AIRDATES CANCELLED

Due to a scheduling conflict, the second air dates of two NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series events have been cancelled. The events in Gainesville, Fla. and Atco,

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NJ scheduled on ESPN2 on Friday, July 18 at 3 and 3:30 p.m. (ET) will not air. [7-14-2003]

DOES THIS ADD UP?

The IHRA claims that 299 cars entered the race in Edmonton, Alberta, but a quick check of the qualifying lists turned up only 58 pros and 90 sportsman entries. Now, the Agent may not be any Stephen Hawking, but even his rudimentary math skills can find a discrepancy here. Are they also counting tow vehicles? Trailers? Golf carts? (Not quite, but the official list did count exhibition cars, junior dragsters and bracket cars.) Who's doing the counting -- and can they handle the Agent's bank account from now on? [7-14-2003]

FORCE NOT HOPEFUL FOR ESPY WIN

It hasn't been the best of seasons for John Force and even though he is a finalist for "Best Driver" at ESPN's Espy Awards (for the fifth consecutive year) the drag racing icon has few illusions about his chances of actually winning this time. The award show will air on ESPN July 16 at 9:00 p.m. (ET).

Don't feel sorry for the 106-time tour winner, though, he has won plenty of awards over the years, such as American Motor Racing Driver of the Year (1996); AARWBA All-America Team (1990, 1993-2002); Jerry Titus Memorial Award (1996, 1999, 2000, 2002); Car Craft All-Star Team Funny Car Driver (1991-2002); Car Craft Magazine Person of the Year (1996); and EMPA Driver of the Year (2001). (Jeff Burk photo) [7-14-2003]