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Interest in Beard growing
The Agent got a call from one of his covert operatives that Matco Top Fuel crew chief Lee Beard (at left with Alan Johnson) is being chased by at least two high profile NHRA Top Fuel team owners who are planning for the 2009 season. The operative reported that after the U.S. Nationals, Beard was approached by Don Schumacher to tune the Army dragster for son Tony to replace the departing Alan Johnson next year.
The operative added that Beard has also been in contact with Forrest Lucas to take over crew chief duties on the Morgan Lucas Top Fueler. Beard's son Zach qualified the Lucas Oil Top Alcohol Dragster, tuned by Steve Boggs to a #3 position at Indy going out to Marty Thacker in the second round of eliminations with dad watching from the starting line. (DRO file photo) [9/8/2008]
Carter, King take championships in rain-shortened Santa Pod meet
The FIA/UEM Drag Racing Championships come to a rather soggy end at Santa Pod Raceway, England. The four-day meet looked as if it would be a total washout, but the valiant efforts of the SPRC track crew managed to deliver a track that was in usable condition on Sunday for one shot at qualifying and the start of eliminations. A number of classes managed to get through their semifinals when yet another downpour ended proceedings. Despite this there was drama aplenty in the points chases. Headline makers included Britons Andy Carter and Ian King managing to snatch their respective 3rd FIA Top Fuel Dragster and 4th UEM Top Fuel Bike crowns during the limited on-track action.
A full report will follow shortly, once Ivan and Rose have found a cure for rising damp and trench foot. (Ivan Sansom and Rose Hughes photos) [9/8/2008]