Southern California Shootout at Fontana completed
From the Hot Rod Heritage Series event over the weekend at Auto Club Dragway, Jirka Kaplan (shown), who hails from Calgary Alberta, Canada set the pace in AA/GS driving his '63 Vette to the number one qualifying position making a stout 6.492/212.93 mph charge. Steve Woods took the trophy in AA/GS over Rob Moore’s wild Impala in the final with Darrell Waters winning A/Fuel over Chuck Tanko. Dave Ward in the Dietz and Ward Fiat Topolino won Nostalgia Eliminator 1 and clinched the 2008 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series NE1 Championship at Fontana.
We’ll have complete results from James Drew and Tim Marshall of the “Southern California Shootout” later this week in DRO. (James Drew photo) [9/15/2008]
Vandergriff negotiating with UPS for 2009?
The Agent hears that the UPS-backed, Bob Vandergriff-owned Top Fuel operation was told that if the team didn’t make the NHRA Showdown that UPS was done and wouldn’t pick up the two-year option they held.
Sources indicate that Vandergriff is still trying to save the UPS program but, regardless, Vandergriff’s team will likely return to NHRA competition next year possibly with sponsorship from the family-owned Hedman Hedders company.
The Agent’s sources indicate that drag racing-affiliated companies that ship with UPS spend upwards of $150,000,000 annually. Agent 1320 also heard that UPS would like to keep it’s “official shipper” status with the NHRA, which would mean that under current rules UPS would have to sponsor another professional team. The line forms at the right…right behind Mr. Vandergriff that is! (Ron Lewis photo) [9/15/2008]
Will O’Reilly/CSK stay ‘Official’?
Along the same story line as the UPS/Vandergriff drama, the Agent wonders that if the O’Reilly folks who bought CSK want to keep their status as the “official” auto parts store of the NHRA. Under current NHRA guidelines wouldn’t they be required to sponsor a pro team?
The Agent hears that the O’Reilly folks are arguing that by buying the title rights to so many NHRA national events they shouldn’t have to sponsor a race team too.
Word we get is that NHRA management so far hasn’t budged and wants a team sponsored if the O’Reilly/CSK stores are going to keep their status. A tip of the Agent’s hat to the NHRA for taking that stand. (Todd Dziadosz photo) [9/15/2008]