NHRA SETTING PARAMETERS FOR WEATHER AND TRACK PREP?
There has been a lot of internet based rumors concerning the NHRA “de-sanctioning” of the annual test session at the Strip at Las Vegas. Most of the rumors had a rift between the NHRA’s VP of Competition and the management at the Bruton Smith owned facility. As it turns out after DRO contacted both parties it turns out the real issue is about safety and the NHRA making a pro-active decision based upon their concern that a combination of the Strip’s normal excellent track prep and cool or cold weather and track surface at that track in January might lead to conditions that might lead to tire failure like the incident that occurred with Hillary Will at last years February test at Vegas. See News and Analysis for the rest of the story [1/9/2008]
RICKIE JONES GOING NHRA PRO STOCK RACING, DRO ON BOARD
Second generation drag racer Rickie Jones, son of long time Pro Stock racer and car builder Rick Jones will compete on the NHRA POWERade circuit this year in a RJ Racecars built Dodge Stratus powered by a Larry Morgan built 500-inch Mopar HEMI power plant.
Team owner Rick Jones said, “This is something I have always wanted to do. We have a good customer base in NHRA and it will be exciting to be racing with them. My son has stood behind my car for many years, and I’m proud to be standing behind him now.”
The 20 year-old son, and driver, Rickie Jones adds, “I grew up on pro stock racing, and working in the shop, and it has been my whole life. I’m so thankful for my parents Rick and Bonnie Jones for trusting me with this opportunity. I can’t wait to go testing and let the clutch out, and get some more seat time. DRO will also enter into a marketing agreement with the team. "I’ve known Rick since he began his business and his son since he was born and anyone who is working with my pal Larry Morgan is someone I want to work with,” said Racing Net Source CEO Jeff Burk. "Besides Rickie was the first Pro Stock racer who ever asked if my publishing company wanted to be involved since I worked with AHRA Pro Stock World Champ Randy Hagerty back in the 80’s." [1/9/2008]
AUTOLITE/PRESTONE ELECTS NOT TO RENEW GILBERTSON'S SPONSORSHIP
The Agent received this politically correct press release from his pals at Gilbertson racing. He found it hard to believe that a team that not only ran almost all of the NHRA National events with Autolite/Prestone on the car but also ran quite a few IHRA races (probably at no charge) was released by its primary sponsor. Gilbertson, who paid his own way as a team
owner for many years without a sponsor other than his own business was very classy to the end.
"To start off I'd like to thank all the folks at Honeywell for the past five years," Gilbertson said. "Although they didn't give us primary sponsorship dollars over the years we gave them the side of the car with hopes that our relationship would grow into a marketing partnership that would allow this team to grow and compete with all the multi-car teams out there. There are a lot of new people at the top of Honeywell CPG and they haven't finalized their budget yet for 2008. From what I was told they will keep one car out there along with the Hispanic marketing program they started in 2007 (Cory Mac’s T/F car and one of the Pedregon’s FC)."
Add Gilbertson to the long list of racers who have raced for less than they were worth in hopes of getting a really good deal and failed. The Agent thinks there might be a lesson here to be learned. Also Darr Hawthorne had a good column on this subject a couple of months back. [1/9/2008]