MORE SCRUTINY FOR THE TOP FUEL TEAMS
The Agent saw a notice that went out to the NHRA Top Fuel teams stating that at Joliet they would be required to strip their cars down to the bare chassis to allow the NHRA tech department to inspect them. The message specified that all panels and rear wheels had to be removed for the inspection. The Agent wonders, What they are looking for? [6-5-2006]
TIMING IS EVERYTHING, PT II
One of the Agent’s source’s called to say that Compulink’s Bob Brockmeyer has been hired by the NHRA to be at the upcoming event at Chicago and the U.S. Nationals, and reportedly is negotiating to be at more NHRA events. This has to be good news for the racers since the single most important component for everyone at a drag race isn’t the track prep, pit space or the temperature of the beer in the suites -- or luxury suites for the matter -- it is always a properly functioning, accurate, and dependable timing system! [6-5-2006]
RUMORED RULE CHANGES FOR IHRA PRO MOD
Some IHRA nitrous racers were lobbying for rules changes after the just-completed Grand Bend event. One well known racer even went so far as to get on the Internet and ask his fans to petition the sanctioning body for a favorable rule change. A quick look at the entry list at Grand Bend shows that better than seven nitrous cars (over 60% of the nitrous cars that entered) qualified for the race. Those numbers don’t seem unfair to the Agent.
Anyway, the rumor floating around the Grand Bend pits was that the rule change being lobbied for was to take the “two-step” rev limiter option away from the blown cars. Interesting enough, the team leading the points reportedly doesn’t use one. [6-5-2006]
KNOLL 'ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR' FINALIST
Evan Knoll, owner and operator of Knoll Gas - Torco Race Fuels, is one of the regional finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Knoll's company, based in Decatur, MI, will represent the Lake Michigan Area, which consists of Illinois, Indiana, western Michigan and Wisconsin. The area winner will be announced at the annual awards banquet on June 22 at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom in Chicago. [6-5-2006]
DONATE TO A GOOD CAUSE
Pacific Northwest racer Rich Bailey is putting out the call to race teams to donate T-shirts, caps, diecast cars, or any other interesting items to be auctioned off at the 4th annual Night of Fire fundraiser in Salem, OR. Last year's event raised about $7,000 and this year all money raised will be going to a young Salem woman who gave birth four months ago, but her baby remains in the hospital with numerous health problems. Scheduled for June 23, the highlight of the show will come when Darren Bay fires up his Warped Speed Jet Funny Car at the conclusion of the event.
Check out Bailey's Web site (www.capracing.com) for more details or contact him directly by phone at (503) 370-9164, or via e-mail sent to capitolracing@hotmail.com. You can be sure the Agent will rifle through his racing flotsam and jetsam for worthy contribution materials. [6-5-2006]
