The newest NMRA class, Modified Street, will make its debut at this year’s Spring Break Shootout next weekend at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The cars will be vying to be the first into the 7-second zone riding on stock suspension with a limited set of power-adders.

Two other additions will be part of the action: The Turbo Battle will run the full quarter mile in a heads-up format; and the Ultimate Burnout Contest will pit eight selected Mustangs in a tire-roasting show.   [02/20/19]

A reliable source tells the Agent that Don Schumacher is getting very close to getting a sponsor for his son Tony’s Top Fuel dragster. The younger Schumacher (formerly known as “Sarge”) has so far been absent from the NHRA competition while waiting for some bucks to back the operation and replace his longtime Army sponsor.  [02/20/19]

At the 2018 Arizona Nationals, John Force (far lane) was in a fiery explosion after winning the round that sent him across the track, crashing into Jonnie Lindberg in the next lane. It was the second of three consecutive wrecks for the racing legend but that only pushed him to focus on what was ahead. Something that still rings true going into the 2019 season and Phoenix in particular.

“We crashed last year at Phoenix but you know, it was a learning experience for us and we got past it. This has always been a race that’s good to me. I’ve been successful here, so has Robert and Brittany and I think Austin will too,” continued Force, who has a new team led by Brian Corradi and Dan Hood, who put Courtney Force in the winner’s circle at last year’s Arizona Nationals. “We made some notable runs at testing earlier this month so we have an idea of what we can do to get this hot rod from A to B and go some rounds.”  (Ron Lewis file photo)  [02/20/19]

NHRA Top Fuel Harley champion Tii Thape is making room on his Spevco-sponsored mount for Mike Baverstock's Samson Exhaust to jump on board and make some “Loud Pipes Win Races” kind of noise in the Mickey Thompson Top Fuel Harley series.

“It’s gratifying to have a major manufacturer show interest in our program, and I truly hope we can generate a positive return on investment for Samson,” said Tharpe. “And if we are successful, this might lead to other teams in the class generating sponsorship and value for their partners.

“These Gainesville and Houston races will be a learning experience for both parties. If we do a good job and it is reciprocal, we should have a successful and lasting relationship.”

Tharpe is also riding a different bike this year -- the “Lagertha” mount that Jay Turner rode last season. “We have a couple of new bikes in the works, however ‘Lagertha’ has been treating me very well (finishing runner-up in the Pomona 2019 opener), so why mess with success? I have gotten familiar with the new set-up and she runs great, and as I get more consistent the tuning will follow.”  (Ron Lewis photo) [02/20/19]

Tommy Johnson Jr. made his professional debut at the 1989 NHRA Phoenix event in the Top Fuel class and will celebrating his 30th year of driving at this weekend’s Magic Dry Organic Absorbent NHRA Arizona Nationals.

The track just outside of Phoenix holds a special place in Johnson’s heart and he will look to grab his second career win at the early-season NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series race. The Don Schumacher Racing standout lost in the final round of the race a year ago, but is off to a strong start in his 10,000-horsepower Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat with a semifinal finish at Pomona.

“It speaks well to the consistency of our tune-up and we’re racing better earlier in the year than we ever have,” said Johnson, who is looking for his first win since the 2017 finale heading into Phoenix. “We made minimal changes as far as what we did in the off-season and came out and ran well. For our confidence level, that’s tremendous. We ended the season on a really high note and to continue that after a long break, that’s pretty important.”  (Pam Conrad photo) [02/20/19]

AutoMeter introduces their new Air Locker Pressure gauges. The precision mechanical Air Locker gauge allows drivers to monitor onboard vehicle air used to actuate locking differentials from within the cabin. Drivers can easily troubleshoot supply settings and detect loss of system pressure that could prevent proper driveline engagement and provide early warning to potential driveline damage. Available in Ultra-Lite, Traditional Chrome or with Jeep branding, locker gauges will help 4x4 owners spend more time on the trails.  [02/20/19]