It’s free to see!

Since the Agent plugged Steve Earwood’s pay-to-watch gig, we probably ought to mention that if you are in the Midwest this weekend and need a racing fix, the ADRL is at Heartland Park Topeka. It’s an all doorslammer, all the time Friday and Saturday (July 3-4) deal and admission is free. It’s backed by the National Guard among others so, it being the Fourth of July and all, here’s the Guard’s free plug for the year. Celebrate freedom, folks!  (Joe McHugh photo) [7/2/2009]

Vote early, vote often or ‘If the Shoe fits, vote’

If you’re not going to a drag race or you need a break from picnicking and watching baton twirlers in your local 4th of July parade, take the time to sit down in front of your computer and vote for Tony Schumacher for the ESPY Award. In the finest tradition of a Chicago homeboy we encourage you to vote early and often whether you are dead or alive.

Fans can vote for Schumacher and their other sports heroes in each of 37 different categories via an online poll at: www.espys.tv or at www.espn.mobi. Voting concludes at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on July 11, so keep pushing that button. [7/2/2009]

MMP re-ups with National Guard ADRL

Memphis Motorsports Park has already signed an agreement and scheduled the date for the 2010 ADRL race at their facility. The Quarter-Max Memphis Drags III will be held next May 28-29.

A two-day crowd of 58,750 passed through the MMP turnstiles for this year’s National Guard ADRL event (May 22-23), including more than 38,200 for Saturday’s twin qualifying sessions followed by elimination rounds in five professional classes of 16 race vehicles each.

“The response we’ve had to the National Guard ADRL has been unlike anything I’ve seen here before,” track manager Rittenberry stated. “Even with the rainout we had people telling us it was the best drag race they’ve ever attended and we’re still receiving positive comments more than a month later. That alone tells me this was a very special event.” (ADRL Communications photo) [7/2/2009]

Fire damages A-1 Performance, business interruption minimal

A fire triggered by an oil line failure on a machine caused damage to one of the buildings housing A-1 Performance Products in Vancouver, Wash., a pioneering manufacturer of automatic transmissions and torque converters.

According to A-1’s Adam Bowdish, “We’re fortunate to have saved much of our equipment, and we’re working around the clock to restore normal business operations. Getting electrical power back is our primary concern. There was no damage to our converter shop, which is in an adjacent building. The phones are working (360-574-9966), and we’re fielding tech questions and taking orders. We will do everything humanly possible to assure that customers get what they need in a timely manner.” [7/2/2009]