The Agent has learned that the NHRA has informed team owners that the organization will increase the prize money for some Top Fuel and Funny Car competitors this year.

The event prize money will increase by $13,000 for each category with qualifiers number 19 and 20 receiving $6,500.

The year-end championship fund will increase by $51,000, with $10,000 increases for the fourth and fifth place finishers. Other increases for final points finishers will be: sixth place ($8,000), seventh place ($6,500), eighth place ($5,000), ninth place ($6,500) and tenth place ($5,000).

The NHRA had not increased any payouts for these two classes since the 2009 season. [01/28/19]

After 22 years of racing Top Alcohol, former NHRA Division 4 Top Alcohol Dragster Champion Lee Callaway will be making the jump to Top Fuel in 2019. Callaway has purchased a complete running car from Scott Palmer Racing and will be competing at five NHRA Mello Yello events with assistance from Palmer.

Callaway’s car will fly the colors of his collision repair shop, Callaway Collision as primary sponsor when he makes his debut at his home track for the Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park, April 12-14. His car will also receive help from Run-N-Hide Ranch. He will receive technical assistance from Scott Palmer Racing and Lagana Racing. Callaway’s long-time Crew Chief Stacy McLemore will be making the jump with him.

The Callaway Racing Top Fuel team, based in Baytown, TX, also plans to attend the Dodge Mile-High Nationals in Denver, the Northwest Nationals in Seattle, the AAA Texas FallNationals in Dallas and the Nevada Nationals in Las Vegas.   [01/28/19]

Precision Turbo & Engine has released its stainless steel V-band inlet/outlet turbine housings  for their sportsman framed turbochargers utilizing their 75mm and 85mm exducer turbine wheels. The new investment cast 310 stainless steel V-band inlet/outlet turbine housings can withstand higher temperatures without warping, and offer improved heat retention. This can enhance performance as the exhaust gasses will be kept hotter, therefore moving at a higher velocity. Available in 1.0 A/R, 1.15 A/R and 1.28 A/R.  [01/28/19]