BERNER TAKES HIS PRO STOCKER TO MIR FOR FIRST ADRL PRO STOCK RACE

Normally the Agent wouldn’t post this kind of PR but it was historically the first press release we have ever received for IHRA-style Pro Stockers racing with the eighth mile-only American Drag Racing League. 

In the release Berner states, "I look forward to racing with the ADRL. afforded to Mountain Motor Pro Stock by the ADRL. I want to support this effort because I feel like it's a good move for our sponsors and the class in general. The teams, manufacturers and sponsors put a great deal of time, effort, and money into the sport. We need to have these cars on the track as much as possible in order to return on that investment.”
 
The Agent hears that as many as 30 IHRA Pro Stocks may attend the event. Can you say “paradigm shift”? [7/24/2008]

PRE ENTRIES MOUNTING UP FOR ADRL/PSCA RACES

The Agent got a call from both the ADRL and the PSCA regarding car counts for upcoming races. ADRL prez Kenny Nowling called Wednesday night to say that they already had 21 teams lined up at the gate at Maryland International Raceway – and racing doesn’t start until noon on Friday!

Today we got a call from PSCA prez Mel Roth to say that he had already received over 30 pre-entries in Pro Street and more than 20 in Outlaw 10.5 for his big season ending event later this year in Las Vegas. And this is with a bad economy? [7/24/2008]

FREE TICKETS FOR NHRA EVENTS, OR EMPTY SEATS DON’T BUY BEERS OR BRATS!

Speaking of the ADRL, the Agent has come across two NHRA division races that have decided to GIVE away free tickets to the races, an idea used with stunning success by ADRL pres Kenny Nowling since the sanctioning body began.

The NHRA divisional race at Columbus, Ohio, is giving away free General Admission tickets and charging $5.00 for a pit pass, and the track management at Cordova Raceway Park in Illinois is also giving away free GA tickets.

Could it be that track operators have discovered that no spectators equals no revenue…finally.   [7/24/2008]

MUSCLE CARS ARE BACK; 2010 CAMARO UNVEILED

General Motors unveiled the 2010 Camaro on Monday, a model that had been discontinued in 2002. Does this mean that the muscle car look is back when buyers are looking for fuel efficiency?

Chevrolet will promote all of the fuel-saving technology in the Camaro such as the direct-injection, six-speed transmission that will help this car get an estimated 26 or 27 mpg.

The all-new Camaro will come with three trim levels, three engine choices and a look that closely echoes the concept vehicle that has created a two-year buzz on the latest of the Big Three muscle cars to return to the road. Buyers will have several options: Camaro with V-6, 3.6-liter engines in its LS and LT models, along with V-8-powered, 6.2-liter engines in its SS model.

GM is tagging this vehicle as the "fun, efficient sports car for the 21st century," and hopes the new Camaro will appeal to enthusiasts and younger buyers.

The car was designed in the United States but engineered in Australia, and GM will begin building the car Feb. 16 in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It should roll into dealerships next spring.  (photo courtesy General Motors) [7/24/2008]

ZACH BEARD WINS AGAIN ON ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE SERIES, WILL RACE FOR CHANCE TO COMPETE IN ITALY

Zach Beard, the 17-year-old son of tuner Lee Beard, won his fourth Rotax Max Challenge event of the season on July 20 at USA International Raceway. Beard bested the 11-kart field at the Rotax Summer Shootout at the Shawano, Wis., race track. Beard earned the pole in the Senior division on Saturday and started third in the main event. He passed the field with four laps remaining to secure his fourth Rotax Max Challenge win of the season. It was his first win at USA International Raceway.

Beard, who drives a kart for MRP Birel America, will compete at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Nationals, Sept. 9-14, at USA International Raceway. The top five finishers advance to the Rotax World Finals in Italy. [7/24/2008]