Got something we should cover? Click here to tell us! Close this box
PAYNE ALSO MAKES COMP HISTORY
AMS Pro Mod regular Jay Payne entered his ’05 Dodge Stratus in Comp at the NHRA World Finals at Pomona and on his third lap ran a 6.08/237, undoubtedly the quickest and fastest Comp Eliminator pass in history. (Tim Marshall photo) [11/8/2007]
NEW CHALLENGER PACKAGE CARS COMING
With 2008 marking the 40th anniversary of 1968 factory Package cars such as the Dodge Dart and Barracuda, Mopar has announced a new factory-direct Dodge Challenger Package car program. A limited number of these race-only Package cars will be available in 2008 through Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers. Mopar will work directly with the NHRA and the Dodge Challenger assembly plant to give the next generation of drag racers exactly what they need to be competitive at the track. (photo courtesy Chrysler) [11/8/2007]
JIM HAWTHORNE SUCCUMBS
The Agent joins the rest of the DRO staff in sending our condolences to Darr Hawthorne on the death of his father. Jim Hawthorne, a legend in California radio history, died Nov. 6 at the age of 89. ****Click here for a look at his career.**** [11/8/2007]
JOHNSON PHILOSOPHICAL ABOUT NEXT SEASON
Tommy Johnson Jr., remains under contract at Snake Racing for 2008, although team owner Don Prudhomme said Johnson is free to pursue new opportunities. On losing the funding for his Funny Car ride to teammate Larry Dixon's dragster, Johnson had this to say:
"I understand how the business side of racing works, but I don't have to like it. I don't blame anybody. I'm going to use this as a new opportunity. I expect to be out here next year fully. I've got almost 20 years of experience in a fuel car. I could save them money on parts, not do stupid things or blow things up. . . . It's no secret we had a struggling season, but it wasn't from a lack of effort. Performance dictates how it goes sometimes. The hard times show what a team is made of and this team has really been behind each other. Nobody's putting any blame on anybody. They're awful special to me. They never wavered all year long. We could come back out there with the same team and win the championship. The Englishtown race this year is one people will never forget. To go out and burn the car to the ground and rebuild the car from the ground up in 75 minutes and win the race -- and not only win the race but set low E.T. the next round -- that shows what a great group of guys these are." (Ron Lewis photo) [11/8/2007]
