Rarely do the "behind the scenes, everyday employees" of racing teams get the public recognition they deserve. Take for instance (left to right) "Honda" Woiwod, Don Schumacher's Hospitality Manager, Karen Arelano and Bob Campagna. While all the glory goes to the crew, drivers and owners, most of the get-down and dirty work is assigned to these "no name" team members who greet the public, organize food preparation, clean off tables, handle the VIP guests, and empty trash -- all the while dealing with diversified egos associated with a professional NHRA top-running car.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Minnie Youngblood who is now 15 years old and Chris Karamesines who wishes he was. Chris celebrated his 74th birthday early this month . . . It was reported than Jimmy Prock had an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday, November 5th but was back at work the following day . . . Look out Florida, there's a hurricane on its way to you in the guise of Henry Walther, Butch Maas, Mike Kuhl and Bill Schultz who are going to Billy Wynn's place to do a little fishing . . . Glad to see Primedia has restored the Car Craft Magazine Annual Awards, recipients to be announced at next years banquet that will be held in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the Indy Nationals. Coincidence? . . . Susan Wade, writer for Drag Racing Online, broke her foot when she fell out of bed with a Russian dancer who is working as a male stripper after defecting from his native land. (Oh, come on--it's a joke) The foot wasn't bothering her as much as when someone tried to help her up the stairs at the World Finals and she pulled a rib muscle. Patti Miles, PR rep for Greg Anderson, devised some makeshift padding out of bubble packing material and silver tape. Patti, a retired rodeo barrel racer, has had more than one experience with crutches from several broken bones she suffered while riding.

Two of this year's honorees at the California Hot Rod Reunion were Gary Cochran and Bob Muravez, joined by their wives Marie Cochran and Sharon Muravez. One of the most heart-wrenching moments in the FED category came when Bob Muravez sacrificed one of his qualifying passes to scatter Pete Millar's ashes down the famous Bakersfield quarter mile. Knowing he had only two runs, Bob decided that friendship is much more important to him than making the prestigious race, so without hesitation Bob packed the ashes of the renowned cartoonist in his parachute and opened it up long before the finish line. A much deserved tribute to one of drag racing's most beloved artists. Bob's good deed did not go unrewarded, as on his second and final qualifying pass of the day he laid down one of the quickest of the event. Bob took the car to the semi-finals when a broken hot rod kept him on the side-lines for the last round.

Carl Olson, with his daughter, Shannon, a sophomore at Cal State Fullerton, and wife Kathy are pictured at the CHRR Induction Ceremonies. Since retiring from the NHRA, Carl is Motorsports Manager for the SFI Foundation while Kathy is deeply involved in the Booneville 200 MPH Club, where her dad, Roy Fjastad, serves as president. Shannon took over the job of furnishing NHRA with beautiful drawings of the inductees when Cindy Gibbs decided to make a career change.

Get Well wishes to Doris Adams, wife of engine wizard Gene Adams, after having a benign tumor removed. Doris is recovering at their Chino Valley, Arizona home where Gene still works on race car injectors . . . Congratulations to Don Enriquez who has spent a whopping 41 years with Hilborn, an almost unheard of accomplishment . . . Ora Mae Millar would like to thank Bob Muravez for his magnanimous gesture at this years CHRR. Ora Mae was accompanied by family members Robin, Deborah, Beth, April and Peter who accepted the NHRA Induction plaque on behalf of her late husband Pete . . . Tim and Krista Wilkerson recently enjoyed a trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the back of mules; it took Krista weeks to recover . . . Frank Pedregon celebrated his 41st birthday signing autographs for ESPN at the Las Vegas race . . . Congratulations to Clay and Donna Millican who celebrated their 18th Wedding Anniversary in Las Vegas. Two years ago Clay surprised Donna by renewing their wedding vows at the same race . . . Geno and Donna Scali had an impromptu celebration with the Sears representative in the pits at the World Finals by enjoying pizza and Champagne. Geno and Donna have been together for a total of 25 years as the happy couple. They met while they were in the 7th grade and Donna chased Geno down the halls with water balloons . . . Some days it doesn't pay to be on the Board of Directors of NHRA as Dick Wells and Wally Parks recently found out. Dick forgot his Bakersfield Reunion credentials and ex-President Wally had to return Dick to his hotel room to pick up the passes before the rent-an-official would let both men, active NHRA Board Members, into their own race.