There was a time when the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series stuck to the traditional and larger venues on the NHRA tour. This weekend continues the trend of the series stepping outside of the comfort zone. 

The Factory Stock Showdown division, comprised of Chevrolet COPO Camaros, Ford Cobra Jets and Dodge Drag Paks, will make its debut at Brainerd International Raceway. One of those happy to see the series visit the Minnesota-based facility is point leader Stephen Bell.
 
“I have heard Brainerd is a lot of fun and great track,” said Bell, 2023 championship runner-up. “I have never raced there but from talking with guys, they say it reminds them of one of the old traditional racetracks. We don’t have any notes or data for when we get on the track on Friday for qualifying it will be a brand-new experience for us.”

Drag racing has lost an iconic figure in the world of sportsman racing.

Scotty Richardson, 54, passed away following a brief illness. 

It is estimated that Richardson won hundreds, if not thousands, of drag races during his storied career. Richardson’s talents shone on big and little stages and behind the wheel of full-bodied and open-wheeled machinery. 

Four-time NHRA Competition Eliminator champion and current FoxSports NHRA pit reporter Bruno Massel has a new sponsorship to carry him through his final two events this season, the weekend's Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd and the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. 

Outlaw Beer will serve as Massel's primary sponsor to finish the season. 

Credit businessman Mark Stockseth with the impetus to keep Massel on track. Stockseth has been instrumental in Massel's Pro Stock effort in the past years. 

A noted health and lifestyle buff, NHRA Funny Car rookie is doing all he can to be in the best shape of his life. He’s also adding to his resume by accomplishing firsts and learning from the experiences. 

The Jim Dunn Racing Funny Car he drives reaps the benefits of a better Hull. 

“I’m on a mission. I’ve been losing weight nonstop,” said Hull. “I’m down about nine pounds since the beginning of the season. The more weight I’m able to lose, the better it’s going to make our race car. We took weight off the car in Sonoma to balance the car out. We’re trying to get lighter and faster. I’m very concentrated right now. My lights are consistently the same, which means I’m concentrating and getting better, bit by bit.”

Jimmy Scott had no clue. 

The former Pro Comp icon was carrying a three-month-old baby in the pits at a drag strip in the 1960s, but he does not remember which facility it was.

One thing he did vividly remember was that this baby belonged to a man who had probably taught him more about a fuel car than anyone else in the industry. 

SCAG Racing will adorn their four cars in animal-themed paint schemes at this weekend’s Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, Minn. The specialty schemes highlight the individual products from Metalcraft of Mayville’s SCAG Power Equipment line. 

It just fits the presentation for the Scag Racing teams and coincides with a facility known for a campground so raucous they have nicknamed it The Zoo. 

The three nitro hot rods of SCAG Racing driven by Justin Ashley, Daniel Wilkerson, and Dave Richards will play the role, along with Elite Motorsports’ Jeg Coughlin Jr., who will also feature the animal version of SCAG Power Equipment products.

Nitro Funny Car driver Bobby Bode announced to CompetitionPlus.com that Zorbaz will be an associate sponsor on his family-owned Funny Car at the Lucas Oil Nationals Aug. 16-18 in Brainerd, Minn.

Zorbaz on Gull Lake dubs itself a great times Mexican and pizza joint with the lakes area's best beer selection. Bode will have a meet and greet at 7 p.m. (CT), Aug. 15 at Zorbaz, which is located at 8105 Lost Lake Rd, Lake Shore, Minn.

“Zorbaz sponsored me for the first time last year at the Brainerd race and they had a blast, and they are doing it again this year,” said Bode, 22. “A ton of racers go to Zorbaz and it will be fun at the event (Aug. 15). Last year when they sponsored me, they loved the atmosphere at the race and they are back again.

Matt Hagan heads into this weekend with 51 wins under his belt, and if he has his way this weekend, he’ll score the first one for a brand he believes in. 

Hagan will drive a Funny Car adorned in American Rebel Beer livery. 

“I’m honored to represent American Rebel because it’s a company I believe in and that I’ve personally invested in,” Hagan said. “Andy (Ross – CEO) is a great guy. He’s kind of like Jason Johnson from JHG because we all click and get along really well together. It makes it easy to represent the brand. 

The 125-acre annexation of the former Bandimere Speedway has been approved.

That became a reality when the matter was voted on by the Morrison (Colo.) Town Board at its Aug. 6 meeting.

The deal also calls for the new landowner to transfer 16 acres zoned for mixed-use to the town, giving Morrison control over future retail or commercial development at its front door.