Now that the HD Partners deal to purchase the assets of the
NHRA is in the tank, SMI CEO Bruton Smith has no problem discussing his desire
to discuss a possible purchase of the drag racing entity.

Would Smith be willing pony up the same dollars involved in
the HD Partners deal?  No.

Today's classic You Tube video moment features Raymond Beadle's Blue Max rollover during the 1982 NHRA Gatornationals. In watching this excellent Diamond P/NHRA clip, it's not hard to see why Beadle was a fan favorite.

The timing was perfect for seven-time IHRA Pro Stock champion Rickie
Smith to sign Bailey Trucking to as associate sponsorship because he
was hauling on Friday afternoon during the Mid-South Street Nationals
in Memphis, Tennessee. Driving his Chevrolet Cobalt, Smith laid down an
impressive 6.33 elapsed time at over 220 miles per hour. If this is the
sign of things to come, then IHRA Pro Stock should encounter a season
of monstrous proportions.

On a related topic, Smith's publicist released a statement clearing up
some isolated confusion surrounding his recently announced program with
Bailey Trucking.

Not only is the fabled March Meet celebrating its 50th, it’s also the
first-ever event in the NHRA’s new 7-race nostalgia drag race series.
Called the Hot Rod Heritage Series, it all begins at historic Auto Club
Famoso Raceway, Mar. 7-9.

“We’re honored to not only be part of this exciting new series, but to
have the first one kick-off during our 50th celebration of the March
Meet is really exciting,” said Blake Bowser, vice president and general
manager of the Kern County Racing Association, operators of Auto Club
Famoso and producers of the March Meet. “Nostalgia drag racing fans are
in for a once-in-a-lifetime thrill.

According to the NHRA, the Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series was created
to “help preserve NHRA’s rich history and tradition while capitalizing
on the success of nostalgia drag racing competition.” Series champions
will be crowned in 14 categories based on year-end points.

Every
Friday, Torco's CompetitionPlus.com brings you our Feedback letters.
Read what our readers have to say about our feature articles and you
can even offer your opinions.

FEEDBACK FRIDAY - FEBRUARY 29

Organizers of the JEGS ProMod Challenge have announced the first list of
invitees for the series-opening 39th annual ACDelco NHRA Gatornationals, the
series-opening race that runs from March 13-16 at Gainesville Raceway in central
Florida. In all, 24 racers have been invited to compete.

"It is our hope
that every race on the 2008 JEGS ProMod Challenge will exhibit the very best the
Pro Modified class has to offer," series promoter Troy Coughlin said. "We strive
to invite the drivers that best represent this style of racing, including all
six former series champions, racers with winning records at previous races held
during NHRA national events, and solid representatives of each style of racing
we allow -- including supercharged, nitrous oxide, and turbocharged-powered
entries.

"We'd love to open the doors to everyone but we must remember
that we are invited guests of the NHRA and as such we need to follow the
guidelines of our agreement with the organization. It's a privilege to race on
their stage. As such, our competition committee spent several hours putting our
first list of invitees together."

Troy Buff is learning what each driver who preceded him in driving for
veteran team owner and piston manufacturer Bill Miller found out. He’s
learned that Miller is tough, but fair. The former Top Alcohol Dragster
standout quickly points out the most crucial lesson he learned is that
Miller is an excellent teacher.

“I'm learning a lot,” Buff said. “It's a bonus because he's showing you
not only the things that you're doing wrong but the things that you're
doing right.  He'll stay on you but he'll show you what you did good. 
I'm learning a lot from the man.”

Buff joined Miller’s BME-sponsored team in late 2007 as Alan Bradshaw
resigned his position to accept a full-time tour driving for Dexter
Tuttle. Prior to the assignment, Buff had limited seat time behind the
wheel of the Tim and Renee Coglan Top Fuel dragster.

On a partly cloudy day at Firebird Raceway outside of Phoenix, Brittany
Force, the 21-year old daughter of 14-time Funny Car champion John
Force, completed a job that started over six months ago; making the
necessary passes for her A-Fuel license.

The process had its ups and downs for the Santiago Canyon College
senior including a brush with the Las Vegas Speedway guardwall as she
was learning the ropes. Her final licensing pass was a solid 5.59
seconds at 262 mph.

“Today was my first really good clean run. It was just a normal run and
it felt good. I was definitely nervous and sweating it out before I got
in the car,” said the California blond and recognized “problem child”
of the Force racing clan. “My dad is excited now to have us all
licensed. I am excited to have my A-Fuel license since now we can
continue to move forward.”

Probably
not, because they’re just two faceless members of the vast John Force
Racing army.  The gentlemen on the left is Troy Allen, a new recruit on
Ashley Force’s team, while on the right is Lew Arrington, who has
worked on Force’s car for the last half dozen years.