Michelle and Whit Bazemore also enjoyed the evenings festivities at the Kodak Theater by taking home the number two spot in the NHRA Funny Car Championships, an often heated contest between he and John Force's team. Michelle and Whit just returned from a mini vacation where they enjoyed bicycling in the wine country of Northern California. Although they didn't have the time or the opportunity to enjoy the mud baths in Calistoga, they did enjoy visiting all the wineries and are looking forward to another visit in the picturesque community soon.

Claudia and Dick LaHaie are joined by the smiling, toothpick-less Austin Coil. The LaHaie's were heading home to Indianapolis and their cat Allie right after the World Finals. And although there were several rumors circulating the pits this year that there was a big-named company trying to set up Dick with his own team, he is still with Snake Racing and looking forward to next season. Austin was just looking forward to getting out of his shoes and formal attire.

David Baca, who drove more like an old pro this year than a rookie, is pictured with daughter Alex (left), who was just voted Homecoming Queen at Liberty High School, David, Jr. and lovely wife Michele. Since David was racing in Las Vegas he was unable to attend Alex's ceremonies so Michele took over the duties by walking their lovely daughter down the aisle. Although David did not win this year's NHRA Rookie of the Year, no one was complaining, especially when he was joined on the Kodak Theater stage by the nine other drivers who finished in the top ten.

Connie, Doug and Scott Kalitta were planning a deer hunting trip at the end of the racing season and will take their families to the Cayman Islands between Christmas and New Years. A much deserved respite for the hard-working race teams . . . Get well wishes go out to Rosalee Nobel who had both her knees replaced after Pomona. The surgery will enable Rosalee to walk instead of being confined to an electric-powered chair . . . Scotty Cannon's lovely wife Amanda is certain that Scotty will be running Pro-Mod next year, "no matter what else we are doing," and that the only "vacation" the couple will enjoy this year will be to spend some time with their family Scott Jr., Brandon and Destin . . . Another crazy rumor circulating at the World Finals was that Kenny Bernstein will replace Tom Compton as NHRA's president in 2004 . . . Can anyone guess why Bruce Sarver was hanging out at Don Schumacher's hospitality center Sunday, November 9th? Could it be that Don is running three funny cars in '04? . . . Reportedly there is a bidding war over the services of the "Ace" Ed McCulloch for the 2004 season. The only thing certain is that Ed doesn't want to wrench for a huge corporation, "too much pressure."

Patty Garlits joined husband, SEMA Hall of Fame Honoree, Don, at this year's SEMA Luncheon held in Las Vegas where this year's induction members were presented their SEMA rings. Don and Patty were unable to attend the NHRA World Finals but both are happy, healthy and looking forward to the holiday season with their children and grandchildren