Sat, 14 Oct 2000, 12:14 PM Las Vegas FMDRS Friday Pit Notes

By Michael L. Jex

LAS VEGAS -- The most time consuming part of a drag race is getting there. For the short five seconds it takes a Federal-Mogul Dragster to go down the quarter mile, there are many hours spent by someone driving the rig, trailer, or other tow vehicle to the track.

For us leaving for Las Vegas and the Strip today was quite an experience, we left the house near Jackson Wyoming with four inches of snow on the ground. Just 8 hours later, it's sunny, temps in the 70's and there are well over 700 cars on the grounds. With this kind of luck, we're in the right place.

Friday Pit Notes -

First and foremost - FastNews has learned that Melvyn Record will be leaving the NHRA Field Marketing Department to become the new Director of Marketing at Sears Point. Melvyn's last day with NHRA is next Friday, the 20th. Melvyn was one of the biggest and brightest stars in the NHRA Field Marketing Department, and he will be sorely missed. Melvyn has been very active and supportive of Federal-Mogul Drag Racing, he spent a great deal of time and effort helping young drivers learn the ropes of interviewing, marketing and promotion. He's going to leave some big shoes to fill, we wish the best of Luck to Melvyn in his new endeavor.

So far 19 Federal-Mogul Dragsters are on the grounds making runs, meaning more than half the dragsters here will go home on Saturday. More than half the dragsters are also running nitro, the exotic fuel being much favored by left-coasters in general.

Las Vegas Native Duane Shields has a John Force style compound on the grounds. The team is debuting a two car effort for the first time, Duane has teamed up with 1998 Division Six Champion Driver Dale Carlson. The Short Line Express Compound is also featuring their own hospitality area with BBQ and other good-eats for friends and sponsors.

Oregon Dairy Farmers "Got Milk" "Say Cheese" Driver Russ Parker is having some fun this weekend, his Federal-Mogul Funny Car is sporting Ted Nugent Sportsman of America Signage. His "Got Milk" and Ted Nugent Sportsman of America stickers are getting a lot of stares, smiles and comments in the pit area.

Rick Henkleman is making a return to competition this weekend since his son Brandon has returned to school. Dana Hopewell, Henkleman's crew chief made a tongue-in-cheek comment about getting off work early today as the reason the team is here, but many in the pits feel it's more likely Rick is here to serve as a blocker against Duane Shields who is currently in the third spot in Division Six standings. Rick carded a 5.485 at a personal best 263.31 miles per hour to take the top spot in Federal-Mogul Dragster after one round of qualifying.

Henkleman described the run this way - "It wanted to shake and rattle, but went right down through there so I never lifted. The car has run 263 mph before, but Brandon was in it. That is a personal best for me."

Jerry Darien is running a new car this weekend with Steve Faria behind the controls. The pits are abuzz with guesses who will be the next "future star" to take the controls of his dragster. Whoever it is, they will have some big shoes to fill. Gary Scelzi and Melanie Troxel were the last two stars to drive for the veteran car owner. Steve ran 5.772 at 244.69 miles per hour to debut the new car.

Jerry was pleased with their first lap. When asked about how he felt returning to the A Fuel wars after a stint in Top Fuel he was philosophical about it. "I think this is the class where I belong." said Darrien. "I enjoyed Top Fuel and would run there again if we had the money and the budget, but we've got so much history and friends in this class. We've enjoyed some great friendships and drivers - Scelzi, Melanie (Troxel) Frankie (Pedregon), even Joe Amato and Cory Mac ran with us for awhile. It feels good to be back."

When asked about his plans for next year Darien focused on the race this weekend. "Next year is a long way off. Right now we're here to run well this weekend. That's the task at hand."

Federal-Mogul Dragster driver John "American Eagle" Shoemaker has a new FMD licensed crew member in his pit area. Mike Austin completed his Federal-Mogul Dragster licensing in Medford two weeks ago. The team is here "testing some things for next year." Look for Mike to take the controls of the American Eagle dragster for a few races next year.