A note wrapped in a potato skin was in the mayo jar high atop the Phlegm Building’s second-story penthouse porch this morning. YNot Racing’s Jim Whiteley has a new Corvette Pro Mod at the U.S. Nationals. Back in the day he had a Top Sportsman Corvette, which has been reworked by Blackstone Racecars in Boise, Idaho.  (Chris Haverly photos)  [08/30/19]

Jimmy Daniels has won the Dodge Hemi Challenge at the U.S. Nationals for the last three years, but he has never been top qualifier for the special event. This year he is.

Bucky Hess is one of many drivers itching to knock Daniels out of the winner’s circle.  (Chris Haverly photo)

Winners of the first round of competition were: Stephen Hebert, Doug Fazolare, Steve Comella, Jimmy Daniels (bye), Bucky Hess, Jim Pancake, Gary Wolkwitz, Rich Locker, Gus Mantas and Wendell Howes.

The Hemi Challenge will be run throughout Friday, with the final round scheduled just before evening nitro qualifying. Stay tuned to the DRO Facebook page all weekend for more photos from Chris Haverly and Ron Lewis.  [08/30/19]

Match races between Pro Stock legend Warren “The Professor” Johnson and current racer Greg Anderson will be held at the U.S. Nationals, helping to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Pro Stock logo. The two will compete in matching Chevrolet Camaro 2SS cars at the beginning of Saturday’s Pro Stock qualifying session. The second and, if needed, third passes will take place Sunday between Funny Car and Top Fuel qualifying.    [08/30/19]

Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett went along for a 9.50-second ride down the quarter mile courtesy of driver Noel Smith.  (Rogue Snapper Photography)

Australia’s Benaraby Raceway was pleased to host Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett as part of its Off Street Drags event the day before the 2019 Summit Racing Queensland Championship was to begin.

“As a not-for-profit community venue, having the support of our local politicians is vitally important and we are so glad to enjoy the support of Mayor Matt Burnett and to have been able to host him at the track today,” Benaraby Raceway President Glenn Williams said.

“It has been a fantastic day here at Benaraby Raceway,” Mayor Burnett said. “The raceway is a valuable asset to our community, and I commend all of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure its continued success.”   [08/30/19]

We just had to share this colorful ’83 Malibu station wagon of Bob Utsler from Martinville, IN. He was runner-up to Paul Wong of Las Vegas in the O/Stock class at Indy.  (Chris Haverly photo) [08/30/19]

Champion Oil will display at the 2019 Las Vegas SEMA Show a special continuation Ford Shelby GT350.

The limited-edition cars will feature a 331 ci aluminum engine supplied by the Carroll Shelby Engine Company, which will be coupled to a TREMEC 5-speed transmission with an authentic Shelby shifter. The suspensions are period correct, as are the brakes. Car bodies are fully reconditioned and built to 1965 specs to be finished with Ford’s iconic Wimbledon White paint.

Only 25 of these cars will be built. Each car gets a special Shelby Serial number for inclusion in the official Shelby Registry and a dash bearing Carroll Shelby’s autograph.

Engine options include: a 331 ci Shelby Performance Aluminum Engine, 425 horsepower as standard, a 364 ci Shelby High Performance Aluminum Engine as an option, or an OEM 289 ci HI-PO as a third option. Other options include: a 715 Holley or Webbers. A Tremec T-5 5-speed transmission, an original Top Loader 4-Speed, a T-10 Borg Warner, or a C-4 Transmission. 4-wheel disc brakes and air conditioning, among others. For more information visit www.shelbyamerican.com.  [08/30/19]