TOP FUEL NAMES IN THE NEWS
One of Agent 1320’s fellow Texans and a legend both in and out of his mind, Dave Settles, is making his return to the Top Fuel wars. Settles, whose fuel pumps are found on many Top Fuel and A/FD cars, will be tuning the Chicago-based Top Fueler driven by second generation driver T.J. Zizzo (shown) at the IHRA's season opener in San Antonio. Whether he will be with the team after that is yet to be determined but, regardless, look for the Zizzo fueler to be a threat with Settles on the wrenches.
The Agent also hears that “Pontiac” Jack Ostrander is coming back for yet another season and is having a new Top Fuel car being built at the Columbia, MO, shops of Ty Baumgartner. (Jeff Burk photo) [3-2-2006]
DRO AND MATT JOHNSON TEAM UP
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Matt Johnson has been a fixture in the Midwest for years as a racer, speed shop owner and engine builder. He was partner with driver and race car builder Tim McAmis when the pair won the first IHRA Pro Mod World Championship.
Johnson and DRO Editor Jeff Burk are going to get together and build a 10.5 wide Chevy Nova this year as a DRO project car. The Nova will be powered by a 454-inch small block Chevy that Johnson will build in his St. Louis shop.
The pair have already secured a Dart block, which is being prepped, and plan to use RHS heads and they are talking about fuel injection. Johnson’s grandson, Billy Matt Johnston (yes, JohnsTon), will drive the car. Johnson and Burk plan to race the car wherever they can in heads-up racing. Look for photos of the car soon. [3-2-2006]
DARLINGTON TRACK SOLD
Owner Carlton Phillips has sold Darlington Dragway to Ronnie Siders and Bill Wilson of New York state. Darlington Dragway has been the site of much drag racing history, including Mitch Stott's first five-second run by a Pro Mod (shown). An opening date has not been determined, but the new owners hope to open by mid-March. Both lanes after the 330-ft mark will be repaved. (Ian Tocher photo) [3-2-2006]
