BECKMAN MOVING INTO BAZEMORE’S SEAT?
Lots of rumors have been floating since the finish of the US Nationals, but the Agent has received phone calls, text messages, emails and a handwritten note with leads about what will happen to the Matco Tools flopper ride over at Schumacher Racing, once Matco heads to David Powers Racing.
According to one of the Agent’s Midwest operatives, Indy runner-up crew chief Todd Okuhara and his crew were assured this week they will have jobs for next season, but without Whit Bazemore driving. Who’ll be the new driver appears to be open as we go to press, but is down to very few candidates. The rumors go like this: 2005 alky dragster champ Steve Torrence is a possibility with his existing Valvoline and Skull sponsor contacts, as is Aaron Olivarez with his Armored Coatings sponsor, but the Agent’s money is on “Fast Jack” Beckman (shown) with help from his friend Rodger Comstock of Mail Terminal Services. Jack tested this week in the Matco ride.
According to one of the Agent's very reliable sources, the Okuhara-led crew was also alerted this week to be ready with the tune-up necessary for Beckman to finish his nitro funny car licensing so he can slip into the Matco cockpit and compete at the NHRA event next week at Reading, PA. Look for the team to be testing at Indy this weekend, since it near the DSR shop. (DRO file photo) [9-8-2006]
M/T MAKES MOTORSPORTS MANAGEMENT CHANGE
The Agent has it on good authority that Mickey Thompson (M/T) Motorsports Director Frank Papp was asked in no uncertain terms on Sept. 7, to resign in order to make way for Carl Robinson, formerly with Weld Wheels in Kansas City. Papp apparently knew Robinson was being considered as a M/T new hire, but the firing came as a complete shock to him after spending 10 years with the Stow, OH-based performance tire giant. [9-8-2006]
PIEDMONT OUTLAW RACE RESCHEDULED
This impressive piece of hardware will go to the winner of the rain-delayed Big Dawg Outlaw 10.5 Shootout, rescheduled to Nov. 9-11, at Piedmont (NC) Dragway.
Even more impressive is the $25,000 to accompany the winner's trophy and the more than $40,000 total in cash and prizes for the class. Additionally, each of the top-10 qualifiers in the 32-car Outlaw 10.5 field will receive custom-made leather jackets and during qualifying the 10-wide guys will be split into a special North vs. South team shootout (North=Virginia and above, South=NC and below).
Also on the bill will be Limited Street and Real Street, along with 5.30, 6.0 and 7.0 index classes vying for an additional $20K-plus in cash and prizes. The Agent has already made travel plans. [9-8-2006]
ENDERS BUYS PRO STOCKER FROM SCHUMACHER
Gregg Enders says he has bought the car driven by his daughter, Erica, from Don Schumacher Racing. As the Agent said on Wednesday, fellow Houstonian David Nickens will be building the engines.
The figure floating around the Houston area is that Endersand Roger Brougden bought both cars and the truck and trailer for about $600,000, but the Agent doesn’t have a firm figure. The team is looking for sponsors. [9-8-2006]
