NHRA requires safety shutoff valve for Funny Cars
The latest rules change from NHRA: “Based on continued testing success of the Electrimotion Safety Shutoff Controller, NHRA is mandating its use on all nitro Funny Cars beginning at the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals.
“The Electrimotion Safety Shutoff Controller was designed by Dave Leahy of Electrimotion, a company based in Delaware, Ohio, that specializes in electronic control systems. The controller senses manifold burst panel failure and simultaneously activates the fuel shutoff, shuts off ignition, and deploys parachutes. Testing on the mechanism began in Reading, Pa., and the controller has been utilized by several Funny Car teams including Jim Head, Robert Hight, Del Worsham and John Force.
“Use of this system is part of NHRA's ongoing efforts to improve safety and was one of the areas of focus outlined earlier this year.
“To prepare for the mandatory use of this controller, NHRA is strongly recommending that all nitro Funny Car teams install the controller before the Virginia NHRA Nationals. NHRA technical operations officials will use the upcoming event in Richmond as an opportunity to inspect all installed safety devices and to assist teams with any installation issues.” [10/8/2008]
This time for sure, Rocky… er, Rodger
After planning on making his appearance a couple of times previously, only to find the racing gods against him one way or another, with a new team and a new car, Rodger Brogdon returns to NHRA Pro Stock action at the NHRA Virginia Nationals this weekend, and will wrap up the 2008 season with appearances in Las Vegas and Pomona as well. Driving for team owner Steve Kent,(with Kent Services and Trucking sponsorship), Brogdon will be at the wheel of a 2009 Pontiac GXP with power coming from Tom Hammonds Enterprise (T.H.E.).
“Steve Kent has committed to a complete Pro Stock operation,” said Brogdon “we are behind schedule in developing our own program due to hurricanes Gustav and Ike. While we had planned to have the entire operation up and running by Indy, the storms have caused unforeseeable delays. The engine program at T.H.E. has had great success and we are looking forward to the opportunity to get on track with proven horsepower. We are excited and very fortunate to be able to work with Tom and his operation for the balance of the season.”
Tom Hammonds T.H.E. engine program has seen extremely positive results from a very young operation, securing a number one qualifying spot this season at Las Vegas and most recently a number four qualifying position at the recent event in Charlotte, NC. This weekend’s debut for Rodger Brogdon will allow these two young teams to come together and combine their efforts as Tom Hammonds will also return to Pro Stock action at Richmond with his new Race for Achievement Chevrolet.
Both teams plan to test their new combinations at nearby Maryland International Raceway before heading to Richmond's national event. [10/8/2008]
NASCAR’s Mike Wallace in an A/FD
Mike Wallace checked out the seat of Bob Gilbertson’s Funny Car earlier this year. (DRO file photo)
One of the Agent’s NASCAR sources has confirmed NASCAR driver Mike Wallace, whose brothers Kenny and Rusty have had long careers in NASCAR as drivers and team owners, will be making a couple of familiarization laps after the completion of the IHRA race Oct. 17-19 at Rockingham Dragway. The Agent’s operative says that Mike Wallace will make laps in the Bill Evans A/FD on Sunday night after the IHRA season finale is concluded. [10/8/2008]
Pro Street racer Hagerty gets a new car
DRO Editor Jeff Burk’s ex-employer Pro Stock/Pro Mod racer, 1986 AHRA Pro Stock World Champ and the owner of DRO’s official moving company (Pro Tech Movers) is getting his first new purpose-built race car in 20 years.
His current ride is a Tim McAmis-built ’63 Vette originally built for Mike Castellana, but Hagerty will soon have a new ride built by Comp Eliminator car builder and racer Jim Cowan.
The new car will also be a ’63 Vette and according to Hagerty will be absolutely state-of-art. Hagerty competes mostly on the West Coast these days in the Pro Street and Ten-Wide classes. (DRO file photo) [10/8/2008]