Hakim joins Classic Design Concepts

David Hakim, a fixture in the NHRA Mopar racers’ pits as the Global Brand Manager for Mopar who was recently laid off in the shakeup of the “Big Three” automakers, has been hired by the folks at Classic Design Concepts to serve as the company’s Director of Sales and Marketing.   

"It’s a very exciting time to be a part of the Classic Design Concepts team," Hakim said.  For over a decade, Mr. Hakim has planned and executed effective corporate communications campaigns for leading automotive companies and programs including MOPAR Performance Parts, DaimlerChrysler Motorsports, GM Racing/ Powertrain and Heritage and the Federal Mogul Drag Racing Series.

As part of the their growth efforts in the MOPAR market, Classic Design Concepts recently showcased its GROUP 2 Challenger package, which includes a wide body conversion that is inspired by the legendary GROUP II of SCCA Trans Am racing.  Under the hood, there is a 6.1-liter HEMI with a Vortech supercharger, which increases the engine’s output to over 550 hp. The package also consists of a fully functional shaker hood, state-of-the-art lightweight front fenders and billboard rear quarter flairs.  This allows the Challenger to accommodate the 20"x10" front and 20”x12" custom wheels with 275 and 315 series Pirelli Tires.  Underneath, a KW coilover suspension keeps the car glued to the ground.

Sounds like the basis for a pretty bitchin’ drag car to the Agent. (photo courtesy Classic Design Concepts) [1/14/2009]

OFAA releases 2009 schedule

The Texas-based Outlaw Fuel Altered Association will return in 2009 with a nine-race schedule on (we think) eighth-mile tracks exclusively. The circuit will race five times at North Star Dragway in Denton, TX, but will also venture into Louisiana and Missouri with races at tracks in Shreveport, LA, and Asbury, MO.

This circuit is one of the Agent’s favorites and is on his list of highly recommended eighth-mile racing circuits along with the American Drag Racing League. The Agent wishes these two would hold a joint event some time. Fuel alts, fast doorslammers and nitro for all -- whoooowie!!!! 

April 18 - North Star Dragway Spring Nationals - Denton, TX
May 9 - Thunder Road Dragway's Cajun Nationals - Shreveport, LA
May 30 - North Star Dragway's Memorial Day Drags - Denton, TX
June 20 - Penwell Knights Raceway Summer Nationals - Odessa, TX
July 4 - North Star Dragway's Independence Day Drags - Denton, TX
August 15 - North Star Dragway - Denton, TX
Sept 5-6 - Mo-Kan Dragway's Labor Day Classic - Asbury, MO
September 19 - Ben Bruce Raceway's Fall Nationals - Evadale, TX
October 3 - North Star Dragway Fuel Altered Finals - Denton, TX
(photo of Bobby Marriott’s “Shockwave” by Joe McHugh)[1/14/2009]

New NHRA Pro Stock team for Pomona

The Agent hears that Richard Freeman of Elite Motorsports is making noise in Pro Stock again. The Oklahoma-based Freeman, who is partners with former Top Fuel driver Michael Brotherton in Elite Motorsports, recently announced a three-car IHRA team. Now comes the news that they are thrashing on a brand new Jerry Haas-built Pontiac GXP they just bought to get it ready for Frank “The Flyin’ Meatball” Gugliatta to race at the NHRA season opener in Pomona. The engine builder is not known at this point, but as you can see from these spy photos, the car is getting ready. [1/14/2009]

Unconfirmed reports have Tim Buckley/Matco Top Fuel team SOLD

Several Internet sources are reporting that the Antron Brown-driven Matco Tool-sponsored Top Fuel team, which was part of the now-defunct David Powers two-car team, is for sale. The team is owned by Tim Buckley, who is rumored to have been a silent partner in the Powers team for some time. He is known to be a close friend of tuner Lee Beard and was one of the backers of the Gary Ormsby Top Fuel team when Beard tuned that car.

Late word has it that Mike Ashley purchased the operation from Tim Buckley, let Lee Beard go, and Brian Corradi and Mark Oswald will tune the car for driver Antron Brown. Matco will remain as sponsor. (Ron Lewis photo)[1/14/2009]