SILLY SEASON BEGINS AT NHRA

While wandering the pits at the alternate U.S. Nationals, the Agent was clued into a lot of rumors (and we stress the word rumors) about driver, sponsorship and team changes for the 2004 season. Here are just a couple of the ones we heard. (1) Gary Densham will return to the nitro wars but will switch from a funny car to a Top Fuel car. (2)Pro Stock winner Greg Anderson may be getting a mail order company sponsorship next season. Word has it that Jim Yates Splitfire/Peak Antifreeze sponsorship won't be renewed and he is scrambling for a new backer. [9-8-2003]

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WHAT MAKES ANDERSON SO FAST?

Agent 1320 hears that a big reason for Greg Anderson's power is that the head of his engine development team (who has a NASCAR engine building background) is applying a lot of NASCAR technology to Anderson's 500-inch big block. Let's see. . .355-inch small block with a single four-barrel barrel on pump gas makes 750+hp. Now you apply that technology to a 500-inch rat motor with two humungus four barrels and exotic gasoline.... Hmm, could be a big horsepower jump for Pro Stock. Can you say NHRA Pro Stocks in the 6.60's at 210? Now that peaks the Agent's interest. [9-8-2003]

THIS BUD'S. . .ER, WE MEAN. . .DIP'S FOR YOU

The Agent hears that next year the Big Bud shootout for Funny Car and Top Fuel cars will change sponsors. According to the Agent's source, American Tobacco's Skoal brand of smokeless tobacco will be the new presenter for the two special events and they will be called the Skoal Challenge.

The reason for the Budweiser departure is probably the reported $80 million that the brewery is going to invest in Formula One over the next four years. (Jeff Burk photo)[9-8-2003]