Flash.(Competition)(briefs)

Ecclestone on Asia

Formula One group principal Bernie Ecclestone has again emphasized his determination to increase the presence of Formula One in Asia and North America, at the expense of "traditional fixtures in Europe.''

"We'll have to cancel some of the European races sooner or later,'' he said. "Our sponsors want us in growing markets, and Europe isn't a growing market. As I see it, Europe will be part of the third world in 10 years, while Asia and America will be dominating the world. We must be established there.'' Ecclestone also said he believed it was time the Volkswagen Group, the German automobile manufacturer, committed itself to an F1 program. "Volkswagen is the market leader in China,'' he said. "The growing popularity of F1 in China shouldn't be an argument for Volkswagen not to get involved.''

Kalitta adds third car

Kalitta Motorsports, the Ypsilanti, Michigan-based NHRA team, will run three Top Fuel cars in 2004. Veteran driver and native Australian David Grubnic will drive the third dragster, alongside those driven by Doug and Scott Kalitta. Team owner Connie Kalitta will assume crew chief duties for the new entry and funding for the race car will also come from Connie. Grubnic has two runner-up finishes in the NHRA.

Ready for Blast-Off

Meanwhile, the NHRA Powerade Drag Racing Series preseason testing will begin Jan. 29 and run through Feb. 1 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Drag Racing Blast-Off. Several top professional teams will be on hand preparing for the season opener Feb. 20-22 in Pomona. ...