FUNNY CAR BUZZ NOTES FROM THE U.S. NATIONALS
One rumor going around Indy had Gary Scelzi and Alan Johnson teaming up with a Toyota Funny Car for 2007. This is one rumor that makes some sense as Johnson has made no secret of the fact he would like to have a successful Fuel Coupe and he is the Toyota connection…
One rumor the Agent heard at Indy was that Scott Kalitta was supposed to get the “Monster” Funny Car deal but Kenny Bernstein’s connection with Anheuser-Busch (who has the distribution rights for the energy drink) put the Kalitta team out of the deal.
Whit Bazemore hasn’t discounted the idea that he would drive a Top Fuel car for the David Powers team, but he made it clear that given the option he preferred to stay in a Funny Car. (Michael Fischbeck photo) [9-6-2006]
NHRA AND AMS PRO MOD FUTURE DOESN’T LOOK BRIGHT
The AMS web site has a note up saying that if no one steps forward to fully find the NHRA Pro Mod series for the 2007 season that the exhibition class would be history. Dave Wood has already stated that he would not back the series in 2007. The amazing lack of any PR releases or coverage for the class at Indy seems to indicate that there is a serious lack of interest going forward. [9-6-2006]
VALVOLINE CHANGES MIND WILL BACK SPORTSMAN CARS IN 2007!
The Agent has reported that the Valvoline Oil Company had decided to drop many of its long-time Sportsman sponsorships and spend their budget with the Don Schumacher Pro Teams. DRO got a lot of mail from very angry Valvoline customers upset with the company. Evidently the company listened and reconsidered. At Indy a Valvoline spokesman made it very clear that they were going to continue their support of Sportsman racing.
One benefactor of that is Bob Newberry, who the Agent hears from a very reliable source was re-signed to a two-year deal after being told he was done. No news on how this will affect other notable Valvoline-backed “sportsman” racers such as Jay Payne (shown) and Dan Fletcher. It is known that Valvoline will also continue to offer support to Rod Fuller’s Top Fuel effort. They will also contribute to Tom Hammonds’ return to Pro Stock next season. (Bret Kepner photo) [9-6-2006]
SCHUMACHER SAYS HE HAS A PRO STOCK TEAM; NOT SO SAYS ENDERS
The image is still a little fuzzy concerning Don Schumacher and his Pro Stock teams. What is clear is that the Richie Stevens “blue” car was sold to the Alan Johnson team and
Johnson the father will build the engines for that effort.
The situation with the Erica Enders-driven “red” car isn’t quite as clear. Gregg Enders has indicated that he will own the red team and will have David Nickens building the team’s engines and working directly for Mr. Enders. Schumacher has been quoted as saying that Erica will continue to race for Don Schumacher Racing. The only sure bet is that we still don’t know everything about the surprise Indy announcement. Stay tuned for clarification on the subject soon. [9-6-2006]
