NEW CAR? MORE GAR IN 2004!

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Big Daddy told Agent 1320 that if he was able to get the funding to build a new car he would return to the nitro wars again next season. The 71-year-old legend said that 2003 was the last year he could run his current "mono-strut" Top Fuel car. He got special dispensation from NHRA to run the car this year. He also said he would be meeting with current sponsor Summit Racing Equipment very soon to discuss the 2004 season. [8-26-2003]

VON SMITH TO SUB FOR ROY HILL AT INDY

The Agent hears that Von Smith could be substituting for Roy Hill and drive the likeable driving school professor and Pro Stock/Pro Mod driver's supercharged Pro Mod Ford at the upcoming U.S. Nationals. According to the Agent's source, Roy has told friends that he has "weakened bones" and has been told by his doctors to quit driving. [8-26-2003]

CHANGES AT IHRA

David Thompson has been named the new Director of Sales for IHRA/Clear Channel Motorsports. Thompson was formerly Sales Manager for the Chicagoland Speedway, including the Route 66 Raceway drag strip and dirt oval. He will be based at Clear Channel Motorsports world headquarters in Aurora, Ill.

In a related announcement, Beckie Polburn, former IHRA Sales and Marketing Manager, has been named Executive Vice President at Movement Arts, a Chicago-based integrated sports marketing and event promotion company. She will be based in Ashland, Ohio. [8-26-2003]

READY TO RUN A DRAGSTRIP?

According to a report in the Fayetteville (NC) Observer, track owner Dan Meshaw said his 144-acre Fayetteville Motor Sports Park, which includes a dragstrip and dirt oval, is for sale at $3.2 million. [8-26-2003]