SPORT COMPACTS IN THE NEWS
Car counts continue to drop at NHRA Sport Compact events. At the recent Nitto Nationals at Moroso Motorsports Park this past weekend there were five Pro RWD, three Pro FWD, six Modified, four Hot Rod and seven Honda Tuning All Motor cars. Rumors keep coming out of NHRA that the sanctioning body will pull the plug on the series at the end of the season. With continued declining car counts at their events, who could blame them?
Despite that news DRO received this photo of Colorado Sport Compact racer Chris Dye's almost finished car. [4-3-2006]
COLSON GETS SOME SEAT TIME
Racer-turned-promoter Ron Colson will return to the driver's seat as he makes his license run on April 22 at Indianapolis Raceway Park during the first Nostalgia Pro Comp Association event. Here Colson, who last drove 23 years ago, gets the feel of Troy Martin's "Chi-Town Hustler" mini Charger, which he will drive a couple of times this season. (photo courtesy Troy Martin) [4-3-2006]
SAY ALOHA TO HRP
Reader Baba Alagan let us know that Hawaii Raceway Park held its last race after over 40 years of drag racing with a Run Whatcha Brung race last weekend. In addition to the drag
strip HRP also has a road course, 1/4-mile dirt oval, and motocross course.
Hall of Famers Roland Leong and Danny Ongais got their start there. It was a real family park with three and four generations of families racing together for many years. It was home for Dave and Rick Hough's Nanook for a while.
Currently, there are efforts towards the Hawaii Legislature in getting another racing facility for Honolulu. There are drag strips on Kaua'i, Maui, Hilo and a proposed one in Kona, but shipping is costly between the islands.
Alagan gives special thanks to the Campbell Estate for leasing the land this long, all the sponsors that help the racers and the fans, and a very special salute to the Hawaii Raceway Park track management and staff. "They are very special people that dedicate their time, experience and their heart for us to have a great and safe place to race,' Alagan said. [4-3-2006]
