Ray Alley, NHRA's Director of Top Fuel & Funny Car Racing, was asked his thoughts on the innovative piece. "We have not had any limits on Top Fuel bodies because there has not been any change to them in a number of recent years," he said. "When they (Amato

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Racing) came to us with the plans for this, we (NHRA) approved the plans and we are now going to set a maximum box area dimension so other people can work within that box, so it doesn't get too far afield and look like a Funny Car. I'm kind of pleased with the way it looks; it's exciting to see something new and fresh. I hope it works for them."

Don Schumacher, owner of the Army-sponsored Top Fueler was asked if he had ordered one of the new bodies yet, to which he responded, "Nope, but it looks interesting and I'm enjoying seeing that we are getting away from cookie-cutter Top Fuel dragsters. I hope that something like that takes off and it takes us in a whole other direction."

John Force commented, "I like innovation, I like to change the class and make it look a little different, 'cause it gets a little stale. The Mustangs, Pontiacs, and Chevys change and Dupuy and those guys, they are thinking ahead and that's what it's all about, but if I was you I wouldn't listen to anything I say."

SECOND KALITTA FUELER IN THE WORKS?

Two-time Top Fuel Champion Scott Kalitta was very visible at the Las Vegas Summitracing.com Nationals with the MAC Tools/Kid Rock Top Fuel dragster. When asked if he was enjoying watching and being a spectator Scott commented, "No, it's no fun. We've been trying to get a sponsor for a few years and we've got something that might look a little decent. Let's just say that it's as close as it's been in two years. Maybe soon, I'd love to get back into it."

Cousin Doug Kalitta led the charge in Top Fuel grabbing his fourth #1 qualifying position of the season. With singer Kid Rock on the side of the car, Doug set the Las Vegas track record with his 4.499 and made it to the final, where he lost to Larry Dixon.

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