AA/FC RACERS GET A BREAK FROM THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS

AA/FC and AA/FD racers are trying to elevate pro nitro nostalgia racing to the mythical "next level". Even though promoters are beginning to use AA/FC and AA/FD as attractions at event like the recently completed March Meet, the nitro racers have to pay an entry fee plus pit passes for crew members. Currently most of the teams are low budget affairs and literally can't afford entry fees on top of all the other expenses inherent with nitro racing.

So the Agent was pleased to hear that Chris Blair, manager of the Strip at Las Vegas, which is hosting an NHRA Heritage Series race, stepped up and instead of charging the nitro funny car teams an entry fee as previously announced he has decided to offer AA/FC teams that pre-enter free admission for car, driver and four crew members plus a vehicle pass. In other words he is treating the nitro cars as he would a NHRA pro team.

A tip of the Agent's hat to Chris Blair for a class decision. Now let’s hope the AA/FC teams do their part. [Editors note: DRO now refers to Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars and Dragsters by their real names AA/FC and AA/FD!]  (Darr Hawthorne photo) [4/1/2008]

BARKLAGE FAMILY REGROUPING IN 2008

The Agent hears that two of his favorite drivers, Zak and Cody Barklage, and the Barklage family are in a recuperating mode after the devastating transporter fire they had last year. One of the Agent's operatives reports that Chad Wilson, who was working for the Dave Wood team has returned to the Barklage camp and is working on repairing their car hauler and rebuilding and refurbishing the team's two cars and engines. Word is they may make a couple of races at the end of ‘08 but are really concentrating on coming back strong in 2009. [4/1/2008]