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KARMIC DEBRIS
DRO editor Jeff Burk once spent a couple of years crewing on an alcohol flopper that competed in the Division 3 Pro-Am circuit that included hitters such as Ken Veney, Dale Armstrong, and Kevin Seibert, who drove the Jim Burt-tuned “Karmic Debris” Olds. That name remains the editor’s favorite ever for a drag car.
We were saddened to learn that tuner Jim Burt recently passed away. He always took time to talk to a then just-getting-started racing journalist and to answer what must have seemed like stupid questions. Our condolences to the Burt family. (DRO file photo by Richard Brady)[2/9/2007]
SEND SOME MAIL FROM HOME
The new sponsor of Jack Beckman’s Funny Car, MTS, along with the support of partners in the “MAIL FROM HOME” campaign, the US Post Office and DHL Global Mail, will honor the service personnel of a different base camp in the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan at all 23 NHRA POWERade national events. The camp will be displayed on the logo of the 
MTS/DSR Nitro Funny Car and MTS/DSR will also provide the opportunity for the public attending the NHRA event to write short notes of appreciation to the troops stationed at that camp.
MTS will then forward these notes along with pictures of the MTS Nitro Funny Car at the race to the camp commander, who will distribute them.
Through its partnership with the US Post Office, MTS receives, sorts and packages by military camp, all of the mail going to the war zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. This mail is then airlifted to Bahrain where DHL Express receives it and transports it to its destination. Normally one cannot send a generic note to any soldier with out having a name and base, but MTS has gotten permission to send cards to just “the troops.” Each base commander will distribute the cards to some of the troops that don't get much mail.
A “MAIL FROM HOME” kiosk will be stationed in the pit area of the MTS Nitro Funny Car driven by Jack Beckman. Post cards are provided; all the public needs to do is provide the encouragement. Stop by and drop a note of appreciation to our troops.
A tip of the Agent’s old Air Force cap to MTS, newcomers to our sport who have already made a positive impression even before the racing season starts.[2/9/2007]
TOLIVER RETURNS?
 Jerry Toliver is flanked by the WWF’s Stephanie McMahon and wrestler Triple H in this 2001 photo by Jeff Burk. |
The Agent is hearing from multiple sources in the Pomona pits that former WWF-sponsored flopper pilot Jerry Toliver will return to the NHRA quarter mile this year at the Gatornationals in Gainesville, probably with a Toyota Solara-bodied car. The formal announcement will be in the Pomona Shav Glick Media Center on Saturday afternoon. No sponsor has leaked out, but there are a few possible crew chiefs handing in their resumes to Toliver, who's been seen all over the Fairplex facility this week.[2/9/2007]
