NHRA PUTS ENGINEER ON CALL

The NHRA has retained the services of L. Daniel Metz, Ph.D., P.E., to provide technical analysis and engineering expertise to the sanctioning body in both the professional and sportsman categories.

Metz has more than 35 years of experience in automobile and motorcycle vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics and accident reconstruction. He will be called upon, by NHRA, to provide third-party analysis utilizing his vast years of experience in engineering and proprietary computer animated design software. His analysis will be shared with not only the racing community, but SFI as they develop specifications for all classes in NHRA Drag Racing. 

Metz has worked with practically every manufacturer and racing organization in the world (including F-1, FIA, SCCA and USAC), as well as numerous engineering firms and federal and state transportation and law enforcement agencies. 

He is a registered affiliate of the SAE Automotive Resources Institute as well as registered member of the Partner Program at Engineering Dynamics Corp., the world’s leading manufacturer of accident reconstruction software. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Presently, Metz is an Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Kudos to NHRA for finally getting an (we hope) objective third party to look at all aspects of the safety problem. All of the racers will be better for it.  (photo courtesy NHRA) [3/25/2008]

ASK ROGER GUSTIN

Super Chevy Show’s Roger Gustin seen here with driver Jessie Harris (James Drew photo)

Roger Gustin will be live and in studio on Speed Scene Racing Tuesday, March 25, to talk about his life as a drag racer and the Super Chevy Show’s stop this weekend at California Dragway in Fontana.

Join Scott “Lucky” Hudson and Diana-mite tonight at 6:00 PM Pacific / 9:00 PM Eastern time at www.SpeedSceneRacing.com. You can also call (800) 809-0802 with questions for Roger if you want to participate in the show. [3/25/2008]

TEMPLE ACADEMY TRACK GETS NEW OWNER

The Agent hears that Temple (TX) Academy Raceway has a new name, Little River Raceway, and a new owner, two-time NHRA World Champion Robert "Hutch" Hutchison. The famous old drag strip was ground flat two weeks ago and a sealing coat was then applied.

A new p.a. system is in place, all the buildings have been painted, and the grounds are undergoing much needed grooming.

Hutch's Grand Opening on April 12th will feature Outlaw Pro Mods, Outlaw Top Sportsman, a Beat the Heat Program, and free entry for bracket racers. For more information call 817-965-0535. [3/25/2008]