SMI still has offer to buy NHRA ‘on the table’

Okay, forget the continuing denials by the NHRA management team or Bruton Smith’s organization that they haven’t been in negotiations to sell/buy the NHRA. On the Sunday night edition of the Dave Despain’s excellent Speed Channel motorsports news show, Wind Tunnel, he interviewed Marcus Smith (Bruton’s son), who stated on the air live that the SMI organization had a standing offer “on the table” to buy the NHRA.

Obviously Tom Compton and his crew don’t think much of the offer right now, but if sponsors of major teams keep exiting the sport at the rate they are now, SMI’s offer may start looking better and better. (DRO file photo) [9/8/2008]

UST sold to Altria Group

The rumor that UST Inc., the parent company for Don Prudhomme’s sponsor, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco, might be acquired by the Altria Group turned into a fact today when Altria bought UST Inc., for 10.4 Billion dollars. The Agent believes that Mr. Prudhomme has two years remaining on his contract with U.S. Smokeless Tobacco. How the sale may affect the sponsorship is unknown. [9/8/2008]

Bowen scuffed at ‘Blue Suede Shoes’

Shawn Bowen had a rather spectacular trip down the track in the first round of Nostalgia Funny Car qualifying at the Goodguys Blue Suede Cruise event at Norwalk. In the lights, he blew the burst panel, which caved in the front window and roof of his '77 Firebird. The caved-in roof blocked him from the chute lever and he couldn't see. He went about halfway through the shutdown area blind before contacting the left lane guardrail. The impact snapped the left A-arm, which sent the car into a series of sprint car-style power slides before coming to a gentle stop.

Amazingly, he didn't hit any walls after that first slap. The car, however, was finished for the weekend. Shawn was fine and dandy after the wild ride that brought the Norwalk crowd to their feet. We’ll have complete coverage of the event on Tuesday. [9/8/2008]