NHRA moves Phoenix 2010 date, or Playing through

The NHRA and Firebird International Raceway have agreed to move the 26th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals one week earlier to Feb. 19-21, 2010. The event will take place the weekend after the 50th annual Kragen O’Reilly Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.

Click here to download the 2010 NHRA schedule here in PDF form

It seems there is another rather large sporting event in the Phoenix area on the original date. The FBR Open golf tournament is on Feb. 22-28. Gee, if they had only read Michael Knight’s column in the September issue of DRO , they would have been aware of the problem two months ago. [11/6/2009]

Schumacher making news again

Although “The Don” never verified to the Agent that he was going to add a forth nitro flopper and dragster to his stable as reported in a previous 1320 note, he didn’t deny it either. Upon his return from Las Vegas, the Agent found a note in the old mayo jar by his door with a cryptic message staying that indeed Schumacher would add cars to his current stable.

The fourth funny car is rumored to be Tony Pedregon, who reportedly would bring the almost $1,000,000 in associate sponsorships for 2010 that he already has with him. 

Supposedly there will also be another Top Fuel car team but no sponsor, driver, or crew chief information is available at this time. (Ron Lewis photo) [11/6/2009]

Jimmy, John and Mike talk with Sammy and Bob

This Saturday, Nov. 7, on The Sammy and Bob Show big time crew chief Jimmy Prock will be the guest along with NMRA stars John Urist and Mike Murillo. Tune in to Houston's ESPN RADIO 97.5fm at 10 a.m. to noon, or log on www.sammyandbob.com

Super Chevy Show update

An ownership group that includes Maple Grove Raceway has purchased the Super Chevy Show from president and owner Roger Gustin. Super Chevy Show Weekend Inc. completed the sale this week and is in the process of setting up a schedule for 2010.

“We’re proud to be a part of the new ownership group of the Super Chevy Show,” said Maple Grove Raceway vice president/general manager Lex Dudas. “Having Super Chevy and a group of great tracks participating in this program, it will elevate this series to new heights.”

SCSW includes Maple Grove and nine other tracks. The series offers drag racing, car shows, swap meets and collector cars for sale.

Forward Sports Marketing will be the national event coordinator for the series. The agency will work with each of the 10 tracks to ensure there is uniformity with the schedule and format at each event. Adding localized elements to each event, however, is what will make the 2010 season unique.

“We are going to work with each of the tracks to make sure there is consistency on some levels, but the tracks will also be able to put a local emphasis on the event," Forward Sports Marketing’s Ryan Haas said. “We will manage the series at a national level and will empower the track operators to manage their specific event to give fans and participants exactly what they want. [11/6/2009]