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BADER BLASTS BURK

Drag Racing Online Editor, Jeff Burk, received a hot phone call recently from IHRA Pres Bill Bader concerning an earlier Agent 1320 note saying rumor was that Don Prudhomme was upset with NHRA and was possibly considering an excursion over to IHRA. That part didn't bother Mr. Bader, but the reference to another rumor that Kenny Bernstein had been approached about being booked into IHRA races by IHRA or SFX really did. Mr. Bader called to inform DRO in no uncertain terms that IHRA, and he stressed IHRA, had not and would never book Top Fuel racers into an IHRA National Event

"If I did that, our Top Fuel class would be basically a match race and I don't want that. I want real racing at IHRA events," Bader said.

He went on to say, "When I bought IHRA I told everyone involved--including the racers—that, while I would honor any commitments made by the previous IHRA administration, as far booking in Top Fuel cars after the 1998 season there would be no booking of cars for our events."

Mr. Bader made that point clear in no uncertain terms and also stressed that to his knowledge no one from IHRA or SFX had ever contacted Kenny Bernstein.

Although it clearly stated in the 1320 note that what was being written was a rumor and nothing else, Mr. Bader wanted to make the facts known and DRO is glad to oblige the headman at IHRA and dispel any rumors that we can.

Having cleared up that point, the fact remains that Shirley Muldowney confirmed to DRO that she had been booked in by the track managements of Virginia Motorsports Park and of Grand Bend in Canada to attend their IHRA National Events, do pre-race press and public relations for the event, and attempt to qualify. Shirley stressed that IHRA (the sanctioning body) did not contact her or pay her fees.

When Mr. Bader was asked about the Muldowney appearance he stressed that neither he nor anyone at IHRA had anything to do with the deal and that IHRA wasn't paying any part of Ms. Muldowney's fees. The fact remains that Shirley Muldowney is being paid to attend IHRA National Events this year. Evidently track owners are free, at their own expense, to book whomever they wish to attend these events and that would appear to include Kenny Bernstein's, Don Prudhomme's or John Force's teams.

NHRA CONTRACTS FOR NHRA STARS?

A source has told the Agent that earlier this year NHRA went to several of their big name stars and at least broached the subject of them signing an exclusive contract with NHRA. According to our source the NHRA officials were told by the racers not to worry. Seems like all of the racers that NHRA talked to had sponsor contracts that required them to attend NHRA events and these racers told NHRA that they had no intention of running with any other sanctioning body.

IT'S GONNA BE THE 'MAC TOOLS U.S. NATIONALS'
MAC Tools, which already sponsors two NHRA national events, has signed a five-year deal to serve as the FIRST title rights sponsor of what ostensibly is the world's biggest drag race, the Labor Day U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis.

Although the NHRA reportedly will not make a formal announcement until Memorial Day, MAC Tools president John Aden confirmed the agreement at a banquet held in conjunction with the MAC Tools Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol, Tenn.

Details of the sponsorship package weren't revealed but rest assured that the monetary number is substantial. It would have to be for Tom Compton and company to "taint" with a sponsor name an event most old-timers thought would not be sold to a corporate backer as long as NHRA founder Wally Parks was alive.

In addition to Bristol -- and now Indy -- MAC Tools also sponsors the Gatornationals at Gainesville, Fla., and is involved with a plethora of racing teams including those of Don "the Snake" Prudhomme, John Force, Kenny Bernstein, Darrell Gwynn, Connie and Doug Kalitta and the Coughlin brothers.

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