LUCKY FRIDAY THE 13TH FOR LEE?

After a DNQ at the last IHRA race in Milan, Michigan, can Cory Lee bounce back this weekend at Budds Creek, Maryland? The driver of Jeff and Bonnie McGaffic’s Monte Carlo Nitro Funny Car certainly hopes so. And it would be especially sweet because this Friday the 13th is his birthday. Happy birthday, Cory, and good luck!  (Steve Embling photo) [6/10/2008]

CIFCA CHANGES FORMAT

The California Independent Funny Car Association has announced two major changes for the remaining two races of this season and beyond. The first is a change to a 7.20 index and the second is a change in the performance correction factor to determine how a breakout run is used in qualifying.The performance correction factor is used only in qualifying if a car runs quicker than the 7.50 index. The current correction factor is 0.30 seconds penalty plus the difference to 7.50.Under the new 7.20 index, the performance qualifying correction factor will be reduced to 0.20 plus the difference to 7.20.

“Track owners and fans all want to see us go faster,” said CIFCA president Jamie Leppenan (shown), “however it has to be done is such a way that makes sense. The ultimate goal over the next couple years would be to have a high 6-second, 200-mph alcohol funny car show.”

The changes will go into effect at the Governors Cup Championships at Sacramento Raceway on Sept. 19-20. More information is available at www.cifcaracing.com. [6/10/2008]

MURPHY SETS TRACK RECORD, GETS SACRAMENTO WIN

Jim Murphy set a new track e.t. record on his way to Sacramento Raceway’s Nitro Nite of Fire win on Saturday, June 7. In the final round of a Chicago-style Top Fuel eliminator, Murphy left first against Rick White. White caught him by the 33-foot mark and appeared on his way to the win, but moved towards the center line , corrected and then lost some pistons. Murphy ran a 5.789 at 254.87 mph over White’s 5.810/234.57.  (photo courtesy Steven C. “Nitroman” Wallace) [6/10/2008]