Got something we should cover? Click here to tell us! Close this box
Mike Wallace getting a Fuel Funny Car license
No, it’s not the Mike Wallace from the CBS 60 minute program but rather the NASCAR driver and brother of Rusty and Kenny Wallace. Wallace has struck up a friendship with Nitro Funny Car team owner/driver Bob Gilbertson and was in his pits over the weekend at the new zMAX Dragway. Anyway, evidently over a few adult beverages and barbeque, the two drivers talked about Mike driving Gilbertson’s fuel coupe and perhaps getting his license. One thing led to another and now Mike Wallace is going to get his Fuel license in Gilbertson’s car.
Wallace is an old friend of DRO’s editor Jeff Burk so Burk called Wallace about the deal. Wallace wanted to make sure everyone is clear that he isn’t changing careers; he is still a NASCAR shoe but he is anxious to try his hand in a fuel coupe just for the experience. We’ll keep you informed. (photo courtesy Gilbertson Racing) [09/15/08]
Steve Engel succumbs to Indy crash injuries
On Sunday, Sept. 14, Ohio driver Steve Engel, 49, succumbed to complications from serious spinal injuries suffered when his blown Pro Mod Corvette impacted the concrete guard wall during a qualifying pass at the NHRA U.S. Nationals. Engel competed in all of the major Pro Mod series including those of the ADRL, NHRA JEGS ProMod Challenge and the IHRA. DRO confirmed his passing through several of his close friends.
No official statement from the family or the NHRA has yet been released. The entire staff of DRO sends our sincere condolences to the Engel family. (Roger Richards photo) [09/15/08]
Kalitta donates $50K to BRAKES
Before the third round of qualifying on Saturday at zMAX Dragway in Concord, N.C., Connie Kalitta presented Doug Herbert a $50,000 check for his charity organization BRAKES.
“For Connie to do this to help BRAKES is really awesome,” said Herbert. “Scott and I were friends and he was good friends with Jon and James from the time they were little. Scott would have wanted to do something to help people so it’s really neat that did that. The money they donated will help us save some kids’ lives.”
After the tragic death of Scott Kalitta in a racing crash at Englishtown the Kalitta family decided to have half of the proceeds from sales of Scott Kalitta tribute merchandise be given to BRAKES. The team also sold BRAKES merchandise from their souvenir trailer and donated all proceeds to Herbert’s charity organization. Sales of Scott Kalitta tribute merchandise are ongoing and more donations to BRAKES are forthcoming.
“First of all I want to thank all the great racing fans and all the NHRA drivers and teams for all of their tremendous support for me and Scott’s family and Kalitta Motorsports,” said Connie Kalitta. “Needless to say, this has been a very trying time for all of us, but we would not have been able to get through it without everyone’s help.” (Rich Singer photo) [09/15/08]