MOVERS & SHAKERS
Force Pitch
While in town for the NHRA Route 66 Nationals in Joliet , Illinois , 16-time NHRA Funny Car world champion John Force threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Chicago Cubs vs . Tampa Bay Rays game at Wrigley Field . Both Force and the 2016 World Serieswinning Cubs are sponsored by Old World Industries and its PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant and BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid brands . Following the game , Force and John Force Racing President Robert Hight , visited a local Advance Auto Parts store to sign autographs and meet with fans .
Thompson Talent
What do Jim Curtis and Thompson Raceway Park have in common ? They were both born in 1958 , of course ! Curtis not only grew up at this vintage northeast Ohio drag strip , he ’ s also managed it for over a quarter-century . Through the years he ’ s seen everyone from Snake and Mongoose to Grumpy Jenkins and Sox and Martin put on great shows at Thompson . These days the track is famous for the Gasser Reunion , as well as a popular heads-up series known as Asphalt Wars .
MAKING THE CALL Jon Salemi reviews a last-minute tune-up change for the supercharged “ Purple Reign ” ‘ 68 Firebird piloted by his wife , Melanie Salemi , in PDRA Pro Boost competition .
52 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 123