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.
While it has been made public that Roy Hill has a new
2005 Mustang at Jerry Haas' shop being revised to resemble a 1966 version
so as to avoid the weight penalty assessed to the late model rides,
what is not being said is there's a good chance that Zach Barklage could
be the driver. (1-14-2005)
While one must give Hill an "A" for effort,
the official statement has yet to come forth, but officials for the
AMS/TLR Pro Modified Series have rejected any 2005 to 1966 Mustang conversions.
(1-14-2005)
Here's something that ought to catch the attention of
many. The fledgling American Drag Racing League could be on the eve
of signing a lucrative, multi-year deal that could make it one of the
richest Pro Modified, if not drag racing programs to participate in.
(1-14-2005)
Here's a tip. Richie "The Kid" Stevens will
be in Bradenton, Florida testing next week and it won't be behind the
wheel of a Pro Mod car, either. In fact, sources report that he might
be fielding questions that inquire, "Has that thing got a Hemi
in it?" (1-13-2005)
Jack O'Bannon and Norm Grimes will reportedly be at
it again this year with a new Brad Hadman blown alky digger with O'Bannon's
son at the helm. Word on the street is the second-generation O'Bannon
did extremely well at Frank Hawley's school. There is also a possibility
they will be teamed with Steve Federlin for a two-car team. (1-13-2005)
Consider Office Depot to be the "one that got away."
While feelers had been put out in the early going as to their interest
within the sport, at least three well-known nitro teams gave their presentations
in an attempt to lure the sponsorship. The potential program went to
NASCAR. Could Altoids be one sponsor that doesn't leave a bad taste
in the mouth of drag racing fans? (1-11-2005)
Could Roland Leong be contemplating fielding a team
in the near future? That word has been floating around. (1-10-2005)
If you're a fan of Greg Stanfield then we have a bit
of news for you. He will be carrying PiranaZ as his sponsor and by mid-season
could be behind the wheel of a new Chevrolet Cobalt. PiranaZ will also
back Mark Whisnant for 13 to 14 races as well. (1-8-2005)
Word has it that the NHRA is close to opening a pay
section of their website devoted to "members only." (1-8-2005)
John Force Racing hasn't announced Force's son-in-law
Robert Hight officially as the driver of its third Castrol Ford Mustang
Funny Car. But Hight, in team uniform, was reportedly introduced Jan.
7 at the Mac Tools Fair in Anaheim, Calif., as "John Force's new
driver." Hight's most recent position with John Force Racing has
been that of Facility Manager. (1-7-2005)
Steve Tartaglia will most likely be pressed into the crew chief role
with Mark Peiser leaving Don Schumacher Racing. Trataglia is an ex-Pro
Stock Bike racer who worked with Orient Express and Vance-Hines Racing.
Tartaglia was the "guy back at the shop" when Matt Hines was
competing. Tartaglia was the reason that Byron could focus all of his
attention on the V-rod project. Tartaglia left Vance and Hines last
season to join DSR. (1-7-2005)
The latest word filtering out of the IHRA's Pro Stock
camp is that the crew chief for one of 2004's top-rated teams, who has
driven one of the mountain-motored factory hot rods in the past, is
putting down the wrenches and picking up a helmet once again for the
upcoming season. (1-7-2005)
Could Frank Manzo be wearing the Lucas Oil livery in
Pomona? (1-5-2005)
There's a lot of news going on centering around the
Hartman family. Word has it former Top Fuel driver Rhonda Hartman-Smith
and her husband John are expecting their second child. Also, Rhonda's
older brother Richard will apparently be reuniting with Bruce Litton
to rekindle a bit of the old magic the two experienced when racing under
the Wix Filters banner. (1-5-2005)
This falls under the heading of “highly speculative,”
but the word floating around in the NHRA’s Top Fuel community
is that current cars will be rendered obsolete by 2006 when rule changes
mandating a carbon fiber driver’s “tub” come into
being. Adding credence to the rumor is the recent announcement by the
sanctioning body that new safety features for future Top Fuel cars are
being carefully analyzed, including the mono-strut wing and enclosed
driver’s compartment long touted by class pioneer Don Garlits.
(1-4-2005)
No official release has been issued at this time, but
sources close to Tommy Lipar Racing are reporting that Von Smith will
not be back in 2005 as the team's driver. That same source admitted
that Smith knew the seat was destined for Lipar's nephew Joshua Hernandez
when he took the driving job. Hernandez made some laps last year behind
the wheel of an alcohol Funny Car. (1-4-2005)
The unpopular word floating around is that Kawsaki is
dropping out of drag racing. Rob Muzzy, a Kawasaki runner, is said to
be headed over to a Buell. He will be be running Star Engines and his
bike will be adorned in Buell livery. (12-28-2004)
Could a certain Florida racer be GUNning for Top Fuel
next year? (12-23-2004)
Will there be a U.S. Class Nationals II? The wildly
popular Stock/Super Stock-only event produced by Alex Denysenko in 2001
at Byron Dragway may see life once again. World Champion-turned-promoter
Mike Fuqua is rumored to already have the gears turning on a $10K Stock
and Super Stock event, complete with Class Eliminations, and "the
richest Hemi Shootout the world has ever seen." Fuqua already
has a $20K bracket race weekend scheduled for Tri-State Dragway this
spring, with a horde of sponsors on board, so it's likely he could do
the same for the Class Racing crowd. (12-22-2004)
Sources close to NHRA Funny Car driver Ron Capps tell
us that he will making an announcement regarding his future plans on
Monday, December 27. The long-time driver for Don Prudhomme will reportedly
be joining a multi-car team and be running with sponsorship from a non-automotive
entity. (12-20-2004)
It appears that the turbo Pro Mod movement is beginning
to pick up a head of steam as a result of the recent announcement that
the combination will be legal in AMS/TLR competition in 2005. The latest
car reportedly under construction is a twin turbo-powered big block
Ford Escort, being fabricated by Georgia's Dan Parker for Pro 5.0 standout
John Gullett. The car was originally slated to receive a small block
combination for Fun Ford and NMRA competition, but when the Pro Mod
rules changed, so did plans for the new car. (12-19-2004)
It looks like Mountain Motor wizard John Kaase has come
up with even more power for the Ford guys in IHRA Pro Stock for 2005.
During testing at Bradenton this week, Mustang jockey Robert Patrick
was laying down some impressive elapsed times, the best being a 6.41,
with a strangly semi-camoflaged powerplant under the hood. The creative
use of cut-up hero cars and red duct tape blocked the view of the intake
manifold from prying eyes. Sources say the new combination from Kaase
is worth upwards of 40 additional horsepower over the 2004 version.
(12-18-2004)
When it comes to a reported third driver for Don Schumacher's
newly formed NHRA Pro Stock team, sources indicate the one being seriously
considered, if not already picked, is one with experience in running
NHRA Super Gas and Super Comp as well as Top Sportsman in Division 3.
Here's a tip. His family owns a Dodge dealership in the Chicago area
and its livery has appeared on a Team Schumacher entry before. (12-15-2004)
Competition Plus has just learned that Chris Russell, the brother
of the late Darrell Russell, is putting together a Top Fuel team in
conjunction with David Powers, 1968 UDRA Top Fuel champion. As of now,
plans call for the team to compete at 15 NHRA events in 2005. According
to sources, former Sportsman standout "Hot Rod" Fuller has
been tapped to handle the driving duties. More information will be forthcoming
very soon. (12-14-2004)
Now that Jeg Coughlin has been officially become a
member of Team Schumacher, focus will now switch to the selection of
a driver for a reported second Pro Stock car. As noted below, Richie
Stevens seems to be the front runner for the gig, as his presence at
the unveiling of the new Jeg's car at PRI indicated. Adding fuel to
the fire was the fact that Stevens has reportedly left the Pro Mod fold
after a short tenure with Roy Hill.(12-13-2004)
Word floating around the PRI show was that Frank Manzo
has reportedly lost Kendall Oil backing for his Top Alcohol Funny Car
team. No word yet on how this should affect the Pro Stock team of V.
Gaines, also carrying the same sponsorship.(12-12-2004)
Is it just a coincidence that Valspar decals are on
the Team Schumacher Pro Stock Bikes or could this be a subtle hint as
to whom the second Pro Stock driver is? Richie Stevens has been sponsored
by Valspar for much of his career. (12-09-2004)
Could longtime alcohol tuner Steve Boggs be headed for
the professional nitro ranks? (12-06-2004)
Remember the Budweiser Super Team unveiled in the mid-Eighties?
Word has it that Torco Race Fuels may be doing just the same thing to
be announced later this week. From what we're hearing, the checklist
includes three Top Fuelers, a Nitro Funny Car, two Top Alcohol Funny
Cars and a Top Alcohol Dragster. Word has it that Larry Meyer could
be tuning one of these entries. (12-06-2004)
The first of the hard liquor sponsorships is said to
be announced today with Richard Childress Racing being the benefactor.
Could drag racing be next? Probably not, some sources say, considering
there has never been a formal ban on distilled spirits within the sport.
(12-03-2004)
The word floating on the streets in certain circles is that a well
known nitro team that returned to the sport last year after a layoff has
a final meeting with one of the rumored non-automotive sponsors. Word
should come this afternoon. (12-01-2004)
A call to veteran engine builder Sonny Leonard has
put to bed some of the rumors floating around regarding a big-inch motor
being prepared to run the NHRA AMS Pro Modified Challenge. If a nitrous
racer ran a 6.08 in Bradenton as speculated by some, it was done without
Leonard's knowledge or participation. One of the popular rumors floating
around is that Leonard is building an 815-inch motor to run on one stage
of nitrous. If Leonard is attempting such a thing, he's denying it on
the record. What he's not denying though is that he's just finished dyno
testing a motor for Quick Eight nitrous racer Billy Pilcher using the
Chevrolet Hemi (or as he calls it "semi-Hemi") heads and the
end result was an 80 horsepower gain with a 737-inch engine. He says
he'd be glad to build an 800-plus engine if someone is willing to pay
for it. (12-01-2004)
There has been much speculation that an announcement
regarding Ron Capps' plans for 2005 was going to be made at the upcoming
PRI show, but insiders say this is not going to happen. Don't expect
anything official until sometime later. (11-26-2004)
Here's an interesting note in light of the IHRA's
decision to reduce the Funny Car field to eight cars for 2005.
Apparently two Pro Modified competitors have been seriously considering
making the move to the alky flopper ranks for next season. How this will
effect their decision to switch classes now remains to be seen. (11-24-2004)
Is there a big change in the wind? Apparently the
IHRA has sent a letter to all Funny Car competitors informing them that
the fields will be reduced to 8 cars beginning next season. In addition,
the letter supposedly states that purses will be increased, but as a
high-profile racer commented, theyve made the carrot bigger but
moved it further away from the cart. Expect to hear more on this real
soon. (11-23-2004)
Theres a very strong possibility that there will
be more than one three car team in NHRA Pro Modified competition in
2005. In addition to the Gotham City team of Mike Ashley, Troy Coughlin
and Danny Rowe, another high-profile team owner is reportedly planning
on fielding a trio of supercharged hot rods himself. (11-23-2004)
Despite long-standing speculation that New England Dragway in
Epping, New Hampshire was going over to NHRA sanctioning, it appears
that such a move will not be forthcoming. Inside sources indicate that
the group that runs the track was not willing to invest the amount of
money it would require to upgrade to what NHRA wanted. The clincher came
when it was disclosed that the NHRA was only interested in the facility
for divisional events and not the hoped-for national event. (11-23-2004)
"I am fearless, but I also have a &*%$ing
brain." - Whit Bazemore regarding his potential
decision to sit out of the car until the tire issue is resolved.
"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 450 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 know-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.
