By Suzy Kelly
9/17/03

elated birthday wishes to Jimmy Prock's father, Tom, who turned sixty during the World Finals. Tom's family threw him a surprise birthday party at the Sheraton Hotel that was attended by many friends and fellow racers including Dick LaHaie, Don Prudhomme, Tom McEwen, Tommy Ivo and John Force. Of course Force stole the show with his antics and one-liners, so good in fact that Jimmy Prock literally fell out of his chair laughing when John held up his bandaged hands and stated, "I haven't been able to ----- for five days." You can let your imagination fill in the blanks . . . Lynn Prudhomme was at the track on Sunday working as hard as ever and looking terrific. Happy Birthday wishes also go out to Lynn's daughter, Donna . . . Wally Parks has completely recovered from a nasty fall he suffered while he and wife Barbara were visiting the California coastline. After a trip to the emergency room Wally was happy to report that the only permanent damage was to his dignity . . . Dave McClelland would like to thank the person who returned Louise's lost wallet at the World Finals and is happy to report that Louise's eye operation went so well that she's reading the daily newspaper. With renewed eyesight and the NHRA Championships finalized, Louise is at work on this year's World Championship Quilt which will be auctioned off at the annual D.R.A.W. benefit next year in Chicago . . . For the first time in 19 years Shirley Muldowney publicly thanked D.R.A.W. at the NHRA awards ceremony where she was honored for her lifetime drag racing achievements. D.R.A.W. was founded to help with medical bills after Shirley's 1984 fiery crash when she was seriously injured in her race car.

The radiant Cara Schumacher is shown with infant son Michael Donald who weighed in at over eight pounds on September 27th at the couple's Long Grove, Illinois home, adding a new meaning to "home delivery." Michael's birth coincides with two-year-old son Tony Jr.'s birthday, making it a literal "shoe in" for the popular dragster pilot Tony Sr. to remember. While Cara and son were recuperating in Illinois, hubby Tony was attending the gala celebration held by the U.S. Army during the NHRA World Finals when they took over the main dinning room at the "Mining Company" Restaurant, a popular Southern California eatery. The Army staff was joined by the entire Schumacher Racing Team where everyone had a great time, including Angelle and Nicky Savoie, two of the team's newest members.

Judy Lilly attended this year's CHRR looking younger than ever. Judy is living in the Denver, Colorado, area where she barrel-races and breeds Quarter Horses . . . Prayers and good wishes go out to Brian Bolio, son of SEMA Man of the Year Steve Bolio and lovely wife Sally, who recently was sent to Afghanistan to serve his country as a helicopter pilot . . . Happy 44th Wedding Anniversary wishes to Rocky and Sharon Childs, who celebrated the festive occasion by visiting relatives in Canada after the Bakersfield reunion . . . Congratulations also go out to Jerry Gross and the Mrs. on their 28th wedding anniversary . . . Diamond Jim Annin felt so good that he attended the Bakersfield reunion -- big turn around from a few months ago when Jim was seriously ill and not expected to make it to the end of the year. Jim said the doctors still aren't sure what caused his liver to go haywire but he's grateful for the good health.

Ashley Force is joined by famous funny car pilot/owner John Force at the NHRA World Finals Reception held at the prestigious Kodak Theater in North Hollywood. The "invitation only" celebration takes place following the ESPN televised awards presentation and you're more likely to find everyone a little more relaxed after sitting through the somewhat long-winded acceptance speeches.