TWO BILLION DOLLAR ARMY BUDGET

The Newark Star Register recently ran a story saying that the U.S. Army has an annual recruiting budget of $2,000,000,000 (2 billion). Of that their budget for NASCAR sponsorship is $20,000,000 (20 million).

The Agent wonders what the Army's NHRA budget for the Don Schumacher operation is and if $20,000,000 is in the ballpark. Their recruiting goal is to sign up 250,000 men and women into the service. Let's see, the Agent's math is a little weak but that means they are willing to spend $80,000 to recruit one soldier. Surely there is enough in the budget for Angelle, wouldn't you think? [7-7-2003]

RAMPY GETS #50

A tip of the Agent's fedora to superstar Sportsman racer David Rampy for getting his 50th NHRA National Event win. Rampy got number 50 the old fashioned way: Tony Stevenson bulbed with an early .039 light, giving the automatic win to Rampy. Both men idled down the track, with Rampy running an 8.200 at only 116 mph to Stephenson's 12.670/70.31 blast.

Rampy's 50th win put him in some pretty elite company. He is in the top ten all-time national event winners, placing number eight behind fellow sportsman legend Frank Manzo. Congrats, Mr. Rampy. (Jeff Burk photo) [7-3-2003]

HARRIS SETS GOODGUY TF RECORD

Jack Harris got the victory and the speed record at the K&N Filters Goodguys 6th Pomona Nitro Nationals held June 27-29 at Pomona (Cal.) Fairplex Raceway. Harris of Kaysville, Utah, bested Jeff Diehl of Salinas, Cal. in the Vintage Racing Association Top Fuel event final round. His 5.879 run set the new VRA speed record at 256.55 mph. The race was the only VRA racing series event run at night and featured six Pro classes and six Sportsman classes, with competitors running 1972 or earlier body styles. [7-3-2003]