• Remember, if you have a story lead or news
that you would like to share with us, or even some good old-fashioned
gossip, drop us a line at rumors@competitionplus.com.
• A couple of NHRA regulars were taking in the
action this weekend in Norwalk. Pro Stock fixtures Scott Woodruff,
publicity director for Jeg's, and Larry Morgan (a guest of Mr. Gasket's
Ollie Volpe) were on hand Saturday. Woodruff spent much of the day
hanging out in Bill Bader's suite, while Morgan spent a great deal
of time in the pits. Morgan's most notable quote was, "When
are the Pro Modifieds running? I want to watch those guys run."
It makes you wonder what Morgan might be up to, huh? (8-28-2004)
• A lot of rumors have surfaced about former
IHRA Sunoco Pro Stock World Champion Dan Seamon, Jr., but one thing
is for certain in 2005, he will return to competition for a full
tour behind the wheel of a Ford Escort that will make his championship-winning
Probe look like a tank. Here's the part you might not be aware of.
Seamon's return will also mark a reunion with car owner Charlie
Taylor. (8-27-2004)
• The first of the next-generation Mustangs
could hit the scene next Summer on the IHRA mountain motor Pro Stock
scene. The initial retro look machine could come forth from Robert
Patrick's camp. (8-27-2004)
• Maybe he ought to stick to Top Fuelers? Or
at least that's what friends and crewmembers for recently licensed
Top Fuel racer Evan Knoll are saying after the owner of Torco Racing
Fuels wiped out on a dirt bike in the days following his impressive
showing at the IHRA event in Martin, MI. The word comes from Torco's
Brian Pfiefer that Knoll cleared a set of doubles (whatever that
means) and hit a sweep and it swept him. Pfiefer's regret is that
no one got the accident on video so they could win the big prize
on America's Funniest Home Video.
Pfiefer's not issuing an "I told you so,"
but he and the crew likewise begged Knoll to not do it. His supportive
quote before the accident transpired was, "I can see broken
bones waiting to happen."
The 425cc, 4-stroke bike was the victor in the end
leaving Knoll with a dislocated shoulder. The shoulder still hasn't
been set, but that's not a big deal...Knoll has plenty of pain relievers
and has been overheard singing the Doors famous hit, "Riders
on the Storm." (8-26-2004)
• There has been much speculation as to what
is going on with the NHRA AMS Pro Modified Challenge. While it may
be true that AMS Staff Leasing's Dave Wood has taken the lead in
the negotiations to make the category more of a staple on the NHRA
tour, Oakley still remains involved as does Tommy Lipar in a diminished
role. (8-26-2004)
• Here's a little more about what we're hearing
about the Lipar and Stott alliance. Reportedly, the engine that
Stott will be running is a loaner from the Lipar team as the defending
IHRA World Champion works toward switching over to a Brad Anderson
engine combination. Basically this is a data sharing agreement.
(8-26-2004)
• When the semi-final round of the AMS Pro Modified
Challenge rolled around and the Dr. Moon's Rage Mustang of Tommy
Lipar came to the line, there was an interested observer standing
behind the car - Mitch Stott tuner Jimmy Rector. Apparently the
Lipar team and Stott have agreed to "team up" for at least
the balance of this year. Rage crewchief Howard Moon and Rector
are familiar with one another having crossed paths many times in
IHRA Alcohol Funny Cars racing. (8-24-2004)
• Could the third Funny Car on Team Schumacher
be laying the groundwork for Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher to
go Funny Car racing? (8-24-2004)
• Word has it that Greg Stanfield was supposed
to drive a second car for NHRA Pro Stock driver J.R. Carr at Memphis.
While that didn't transpire for one reason or another, his name
is on the list for the NHRA U.S. Nationals. (8-23-2004)
• One of our sources close to GM is reporting
that Don Ness has resumed working on the new Chevrolet Cobalts after
suspended construction just a few weeks. The order to halt production
was something delivered from GM. They should be ready to debut sometime
later this season or in early 2005. (8-22-2004)
• We reported just after Seattle that Frank
Iaconio will be at the 50th anniversary U.S. Nationals driving a
second car for the Mike Edwards team. Team spokesperson Lisa Edwards
points out that is still the plan and that should be finalized by
next week. They are in negotiations with several sponsors to fund
the outing. If not at Indy, it will certainly happen before the
season is complete. (8-21-2004)
• The word from Don Schumacher is that he will
indeed have a two-car team of Mopar Pro Stocks next year. That program
will be headlined by Bob Glidden as largely speculated. He cannot
reveal the names of proposed drivers, but when asked if Rusty Glidden
might be one of the drivers, he admitted that the second-generation
Glidden wasn't being considered at the time. The same held true
for Sport Compact Shaun Carlson. Here's the real kicker. Schumacher
aluded to there could possibly be a third car. (8-20-2004)
• Rumors floating around the pits have indicated
that the recent signing of Greg Anderson to a sponsorship by Summit
Racing Equipment could affect more than just NHRA Pro Stock racer
Mark Pawuk. (8-20-2004)
• We're hearing word that longtime nitro tuner
Jimbo Ermolavich has left Pro Modified racer Mike Ashley's camp.
(8-19-2004)
• In other Ashley news, sources indicate the
team will reveal a new paint scheme this weekend in Memphis. (8-19-2004)
• Could the forthcoming rumored Top Fuel announcement
by Lisa Kubo have a Pro Modified twist to it? Time will tell. (8-18-2004)
• Rumors have run rampant with the Jeg's team
about a switch to Mopar with Bob Glidden serving as crewchief. Those
are exactly that - rumors. One team spokesman even said that he
wore a Chevrolet hat all weekend just to dispell those rumors. (8-18-2004)
• It's the kind of story that warms your heart.
Eighteen-year old Michael Aloa, of New York, was diagnosed with
lymphoma. When contacted by his local Make-A-Wish foundation, his
wish was to go to the Jeg's Mail Order company. He was awarded a
$5000 shopping spree sponsored by the New York Make-A-Wish chapter
and the Coughlin Family. Aloa has a 1989 Mustang and has always
been a fan of the Coughlins. (8-18-2004)
• The success of this weekend past in Martin
under the Thursday through Saturday format has upper management
at the IHRA considering a change at more than half of their national
events on the schedule. Could this program also allow for four qualifying
sessions for the professional ranks with three on Friday and a fourth
on Saturday morning? (8-17-2004)
• Word has it that Carlsbad Raceway is under
fire and could soon close its doors if an eleventh hour rescue mission
doesn't pan out. You can get involved by visting the Save
Carlsbad website. (8-17-2004)
• Word has it that Mike Ashley's "Gone
in 6.0 Seconds" Pro Modified Shelby Mustang could be debuting
a new themed paint scheme at the AMS event in Memphis, Tenn. (8-17-2004)
• While there has been banter in certain circles
about New England Dragway in Epping, NH., headed to NHRA land, IHRA
President Bill Bader has admitted there's a three year contract
between the sanctioning body and the track. (8-16-2004)
• As originally proposed, the two additional
dates reportedly being added to the 12-race 2005 AMS Pro Modified
Challenge were believed to be the spring Las Vegas and fall Chicago
events. Vegas may stay intact, but there's a serious bid being put
forth for Commerce, Ga., to get one of the dates. (8-16-2004)
• Pro Modified Paul Athey is planning to team
up with Grant Flowers to field a Top Fueler in two weeks at the
IHRA Sunoco World Nationals in Norwalk. He’s also making plans
to compete in Top Fuel at the IHRA North American Nationals at Epping.
Athey has previous experience in a Top Fuel machine, attempting
to earn his license in the late Wayne Bailey’s dragster at
Shreveport, La., in October of 2000. When Bailey was killed during
that same weekend, however, Athey put his plans on hold. He later
opted to go Pro Modified racing the following season behind the
wheel of Johnny Rocca’s classic Mercury.
Athey will be pulling double duty on his two weekends this season,
but next year may provide an exclusive effort. He will reportedly
not be teamed with Quain Stott in 2005.
Athey plans to license in the week following the IHRA Torco Northern
Nationals either at U.S. 131 Dragway in Englishtown, NJ, or close
to home in Epping, NH. (8-15-2004)
• Von Smith was released from the hospital on Sunday and
will soon begin the lengthy rehabilitation process to return to
competition Pro Modified racing after undergoing quintuple bypass
surgery. (8-16-2004)
• For fans of Dale Creasy, Jr., they will have
a treat at the 50th anniversary NHRA U.S. Nationals, as "peanut"
will be in competition behind the wheel of a new Firebird flopper.
This outing is being made possible through a one-race sponsorship
from Torco Racing Fuels. (8-14-2004)
• Could a well-known Sport Compact racer be
headed NHRA Top Fuel racing next year? That's what we're hearing.
(8-13-2004)
• If you're hearing rumors that Bob Glidden
has left Larry Morgan Racing, then what you're hearing is the truth.
A call to Larry Morgan confirmed that as fact. The plot thickens
as we're hearing that Don Schumacher has filed a lawsuit against
Morgan for electing not to sell the team. Morgan alleges that there
is no signed agreement. Word has it that the lawsuit is intent on
preventing Morgan from competing in any NHRA POWERade events until
the matter is settled. Sources indicate that the lawsuit is also
trying to prevent the use of the leased motors from Larry Morgan
Racing. That would include V. Gaines and Kenny Koretsky. Stay tuned.
This one is gonna get ugly real quick. (8-12-2004)
• Has the time come yet for the IHRA Sunoco
Pro Stock point chase to require teams to bring out a blocker? Word
comes to us that 1998 IHRA Sunoco Pro Stock World Champion Dan Seamon,
Jr., has been busy testing as of late as a teammate to the Citgo-sponsored
John Montecalvo, who is in the midst of a furious championship battle
with defending champion Brian Gahm. This should not come as a surprise
since Seamon has driven for Montecalvo before. (8-12-2004)
• While the suggestions have been made that
Cory McClenathan could be joining another team as part of an expansion,
those are not going to happen any time soon. Cory Mac has a three-year
contract with the Carrier Boyz, Andy and Mark, and has said that
he intends to fulfill the obligation. McClenathan does not deny
that he's had conversations with Don Schumacher, but nothing as
of late. (8-12-2004)
• We made a call to Don Schumacher with regards
to his rumored second Top Fuel team. The veteran team owner suggests
that there's a 95% chance something could be announced at Indy.
He's tight-lipped as to who it will be. When asked whether or not
it was a driver already on the tour, he just chuckled and declined
to answer the question. (8-11-2004)
• In other Schumacher news, we had one of our
moles at Route 66 Raceway watching Whit Bazemore drive both Funny
Cars yesterday. While Bazemore recorded a 4.77 best under the new
tire regulations and the 85% nitro percentage, it was apparent to
our mole that problems still exist with the tires other than the
downforce. Spectators noted Baze and one of the team's crewchiefs
inspecting a tire that had some apparent problems. As our mole indicated,
"Ray Charles could see there's a serious problem." Bazemore
ran a series of runs that ended just shy of 1,000 feet. As Bazemore
was leaving the track, our mole asked him why he didn't make more
full runs after the first one. His response was, "We can't
make full runs when components keep failing." (8-11-2004)
• ESPN The Magazine is reporting that Ashley
Force's ascension to the professional ranks will be in a Funny Car
and not a Top Fueler as speculated by many. (8-11-2004)
• Could NHRA Division One soon adopt Top Sportsman
on a full-time basis with sponsorship from a well-known casino?
Sources indicate the debut of the Quick 32 bracket eliminator could
transpire during the Dutch Classic event at Maple Grove Raceway.
(8-9-2004)
• Talk surrounding the Pro Stock Truck Association
and the NHRA keeps circulating. The latest banter suggests that
there was a meeting in Columbus where the PST owners involved were
offered the facility, plus a million each in cash. Reportedly they
declined. The suit is proceeding, and should go to court sometime
in January. NHRA has appealed it several times, and according to
sources has spent 1.5 million in legal fees, and is just about out
of appeals.
The case is said to be based on the "Right to work act, the
right to make a living." What we're hearing is that just before
the axe, Panella had spent eight million dollars on a new shop,
hired a large contingent of people, and ordered new trucks.
The NHRA maintains their stance on not commenting on pending litigation.
(8-9-2004)
• With all the controversy created last week
with Dale Pulde's recertification process, apparently the NHRA has
quietly changed the minimums to a 5.20 at 260 miles per hour. Pulde's
recert failed because his car failed to reach 280 miles per hour.
The NHRA says the change is in accordance to the new 85% minimum.
(8-8-2004)
• If Pittsburgh Raceway Park (formerly Keystone
Raceway Park) is not preparing for an IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series
national event, it sure looks like it. From what we're hearing from
one of the racers in that area, nearby land is being purchased and
continual upgrades are being made to the facility. Reportedly, concrete
barriers are soon to be added. (8-8-2004)
• AMS Pro Modified director Kenny Nowling is
in the process of putting together a $25,000 Shootout which will
pit what he calls the "AMS All-Stars" versus the "Southeastern
Outlaws" in a team competition. This event will take place
in Jackson, SC., at the revered Carolina Dragway during the one
of the first weekends of October. The readers of CompetitionPlus.com
as well as other online entities will be able to vote and pick each
team. (8-6-2004)
• Here's one for the "Did You Notice"
category. Dale Pulde in the Plueger & Pulde entry proved that
-- by going back to the distant past -- a fuel motor can be built
and maintained far less expensively, yet still capture spectator
interest and run competitively. Pulde was running the unique single-pump,
single-mag engine combination against the modern monsters of the
nitro wars. (8-6-2004)
• As for the status of NHRA Pro Modified, we
have gotten word that at the minimum next year's program should
be 16-cars and 12 events. The final word could be announced at Indy.
(8-6-2004)
"I can see broken bones waiting to happen." -
Torco's Brian Pfiefer after company owner Evan Knoll informed him
that he'd just purchased a 425 cc dirt bike. Knoll later crashed
and severly injured his shoulder.
"They need to check the overdrive on that thing."
- An unidentified supercharged Pro Modified team owner
after nitrous racer Shannon Jenkins ran a 6.24 in unbearable conditions
at Norwalk. The quickest blower car was a 6.31 during the same session
in which the air was 3,750 feet.
"They're a bunch of no-nothings (NHRA). Some of us
out here have been running these cars for 50 years. Who would know
how to run these cars better than us?"- Top Fuel
Team owner Connie Kalitta on the recent rule changes to slow down
nitro racing.
"Warren Johnson said that Ray Charles could get a
perfect light on a five tenths pro tree, so that's why I was singing
'Georgia on my mind' all the way to the winner's circle." -
Martin GM Performance Parts Top Stock winner Monty
Bogan, Jr., after he beat Tom Rix in the class final with a perfect
reaction.
"Well boys looks like we have a Hot LZ." - Drag
Race Central's Larry Sullivan, a veteran of the U.S. Military, as
three parachutists attempted to land as the IHRA inadvertently launched
their pre-race fireworks display. LZ is military lingo for landing
zone.
"He had to pay me to take his money." -Sunoco Pro Stock racer Frank Gugliotta as he not only beat Rick
Jones in the final round in Martin, but also became a member of
the Quartermax 6.40 Club sponsored by Jones. Jones rewarded Gugliotta
with a check for $1000.
"After what happened to Von Smith, I have no idea
why they'd want to put an Undertaker behind the wheel." - Veteran
Pro Modified journeyman Tommy Gray after being named the temporary
driver of Tom Lipar's "Dr. Moon's Rage" following Von
Smith's temporary heart surgery.
"If I knew exactly what it was, I'd put it in a bottle
and smuggle it back across the border!" - IHRA
Stock World Champion Michael Beard when asked about his proficiency
of winning national events in Canada. He's won the last three events
that he's entered across the border.om.
"Anyone who knows me knows I'm not going to lay down
for anyone and now Pat's got what he wants - a real flopper with
this new guy that took over for me. I just want everyone to know
there are no hard feelings and I wish Pat all the best luck in his
HARD fight for the championship." - Tony Christian
on his departure as a driver from the Pat Musi camp.
You %^@$^%$#%@&$%# are the reason I never wanted to
come back and race here anymore. -Funny Car racer
Dale Pulde, on what he told the NHRA's Ray Alley upon being disqualified
for failing the licensing recertification. The NHRA had reversed
the decision on allowing him to compete in Sunday's eliminations.
"By God we won't have a problem with those speakers
once the sun ges down and it gets dark in here..."- A disruntled racer in the pits at Toronto Motorsports Park
as IHRA officials tested them well into the night on the Thursday
before the event began. Someone reportedly scaled the pole and cut
the wires to the excessively loud speakers sometime during the night.
"Where in the hell are we?" - Pro
Modified racer Scotty Cannon while on a dirt road in British Columbia.
Cannon had gotten lost on a dirt road in the province en route to
a match race in Alaska.
"You know where carbon fiber came from don't you?
It came from the aliens and it came off of one of their space ships."
-An unidentified fan to a member of Top Fuel racer
Bruce Litton's crew as he cleaned a part on the car.
