ELLIS GOES 6.91 AT SONOMA
Chip Ellis, a charter member of the Pro Stock Bike six-second club “clubbed” the Pro Stock bike record books at Sonoma, recording a blistering 6.911/193.21 lap on his Buell motorcycle, against Karen Stoffer. Six-second Pro Stock Motorcycle passes have been rare, with the first coming at Gainesville last year, but at Sonoma the top four qualifiers all were in the six-second zone.
"Looking at all the data, everything looked perfect," Ellis reported about the pass. "The clutch was perfect, the air-fuel was perfect, and I rode it perfect. It was the perfect run in the perfect conditions. Everything just clicked. It really just felt like a regular run, but it was so smooth. All the smooth runs don't feel that fast."
"I couldn't find any faults," agreed G2 tuner/crew chief George Bryce. "There wasn't any improving on that run." (James Drew photo) [8-4-2006]
CRANE CAMS SOLD TO MIKRONITE
Crane Cams, based in Daytona Beach, FL, will be acquired by Mikronite Technologies of Eatontown, NJ, subject to shareholder approval.
Mikronite is an industrial technology company dealing with the aerospace, automotive, commercial and medical fields. Mikronite has developed a metal finishing process that could have significant potential in the automotive performance market.
Mikronite expects to provide Crane with over $8 million in new cash equity and equipment-related financing. Jeff Coats, CEO of Mikronite will assume responsibilities as President and CEO of Crane while Gene Ezzell, currently the CEO of Crane, will become President of Mikronite Automotive Technologies. Crane will continue operation at its current location. The transaction is expected to be completed within 60 days. [8-4-2006]
HOW ABOUT THIS FOR A PRO MOD?
The Agent was looking at the first issue of MoparMax.com (yes, we know. . .a shameless plug) and noticed this ’69 Barracuda in wind tunnel tests. Too cool! Actually, since it may be running soon at the Bonneville salt flats, we’re thinking that it should head on over to Primm, NV, for the sand drags on Oct. 19-22. Probably not too good on the elapsed time, but that mile per hour (eventually) should be killer. (engine photo by Mike Bumbeck; car photo courtesy Rad Rides) [8-4-2006]
