Below is a copy of the email that was sent to 50 invitees and 10 alternates just a few moments ago. We worked long and hard on the selections, and there were hundreds to choose from. We understand that many of you who are very excited to be involved may not have been selected, and we appreciate your application and your enthusiasm. As you may learn from some of the 2005 participants who were not chosen for 2004, there's always next year.

We realize that opinions about what is or is not a street car vary drastically. As a result, arguments will arise about why some cars were or were not selected. It's HOT ROD's policy that we will not get into discussions about the selection process. As an invitational event, the selection of cars is inherently based on the opinions of the HOT ROD staff, and while you have the right to disagree, arguments will not change outcome of the invitation list. Argue at will on the message board, but keep it clean.

So at long last, here's the annnouncement:

Congratulations! You’ve been chosen by the HOT ROD magazine staff to be either a contestant or an alternate for the second annual HOT ROD Magazine Pump Gas Drags hosted by Comp Cams in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 13, 2005.

Since we know you’ll be excited to jump right in and see who’s coming, here’s the list. Make sure to keep reading to find out more details and instructions on what to do next.

PUMP GAS DRAGS CONTESTANTS (in no particular order)
1) John Garner Eden Prairie, MN ’90 Mustang GT
2) Phillip Bridges Savannah, TN ’95 Firebird
3) Steve Hoch Tolono, IL ’68 Corvettte
4) Mike Thompson Roscoe, IL ’86 S-10
5) James Pranis Pittsburgh, PA ’68 Charger
6) Jeff Moll Jr. Perryville, MD ’66 Impala
7) Dan Shipley Marthasville, MO ’91 Mustang GT
8) John Cunningham Cary, IL ’66 Chevy II Wagon
9) Ken Close Munhall, PA ’34 Ford 3-window
10) James Henn Anaheim, CA ’69 Chevelle
11) Jim Lauer Janesville, WI ’87 Buick T-Type
12) Wayne Fritchie St. Anthony, MN ’65 El Camino
13) Charles Jordan Natchez, MS ’87 Firebird
14) Richard Tangorra Machesney Park, IL ’70 Nova
15) Chad Williams N/A ’02 Viper
16) Jeff Bruso Southbridge, MA ’70 Nova
17) Dean Adams San Antonio, TX ’94 Mustang GT
18) Brian Hinson Bessemer, AL ’93 Mazda RX-7
19) Frank Calicchio Lynbrook, NY ’81 Malibu
20) Casey Braswell The Colony, TX ’69 Camaro
21) Brady McNew Mobile, AL ’96 Camaro
22) Brian Anderson Warner Robins, GA ’64 Rambler
23) Robert Killian Canton, GA ’63 Fairlane
24) Walter Herr Avon, IN ’69 Camaro
25) Alex Keen Bonne Terre, MO ’70 Chevelle
26) Jeff Zsoldos Knoxville, MD ’67 Camaro
27) Ray Wilde Gonzales, LA ’95 Mustang
28) Robin Roberts Glendale, AZ ’76 Trans Am
29) Steve Willingham La Plata, MD ’67 Mustang
30) Brian Allen Bartlett, IL ’95 Mustang
31) Chris Benjamin Dover Plains, NY ’86 Capri
32) Raymond Owen Willis, TX ’85 Monte Carlo
33) Jim Kuncio New Wilmington, PA ’69 Charger
34) Paul Lagestee Lansing, IL ’68 Camaro
35) Mike Stark Indianapolis, IN ’74 Dart
36) Michael H. Meints Panama City Bch., FL ’68 Nova
37) Brian Oberg Minneapolis, MN ’67 Chevy Pickup
38) Steve Romeo Perkasie, PA ’68 Chevelle
39) Justin Brayman New Port Richey, FL ’71 Nova
40) John Reese Cary, IL 2000 Corvette
41) Brian Grote Saint Peters, MO ’01 Camaro
42) Mark Boksa Lake Zurich, IL ’70 Firebird
43) Mark Scordato Newton, NJ ’68 GTO Conv
44) Scott Morgan Preston, WA ’61 VW Bug
45) David Pettit Boca Raton, FL ’67 Firebird Conv.
46) Phil Cooper Urbana, IL ’66 Nova
47) Jack Miller Nokesville, VA ’68 Mustang
48) Kevin Thompson Memphis, TN ’65 Chevelle
49) DeWayne E. Holbrook Country Club Hills, TN ’70 Chevelle
50) Robert Schmidt Oceanside, NY ’67 Chevelle

PUMP GAS DRAGS ALTERNATES (ranked in order)
Alt 1) Alan McKnight Essexville, MI ’69 Camaro
Alt 2) David Furedy Pittsburgh, PA ’84 Regal
Alt 3) Joe Raniszewski Chicago, IL ’69 Olds Cutlass
Alt 4) Joe Catucci Clinton Corners, NY ’67 Olds Cutlass
Alt 5) David Riggs Kennett, MO ’70 Camaro
Alt 6) Josh Henline Rossford, OH ’78 Malibu
Alt 7) Chris Johnson Houston, TX ’69 Camaro
Alt 8) Kirk Martell Sandusky, OH ’87 Monte Carlo SS
Alt 9) Ryan Bell St. Albert, AB ’76 Corvette
Alt 10) Frank Savage Memphis, TN ’86 Impala

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Please email us back to confirm that you got this email and that you can positively be in Memphis on May 13 (or the rain day the following Sunday). If you can’t make it to the race, it’s important that you let us know that as soon as possible so that we can give ample warning to one of our anxious alternates. We also need your T-shirt size and jacket size (M, L, or XL) so we can spiff you with goodies when you show up in Memphis or when you win.

WHAT IF I AM AN ALTERNATE?
The alternates are ranked in the order that they will be accepted. For example, if one of the 50 contestants emails us any time between now and the race to say that they cannot make it, we will first contact alternate 1 and give them a firm invitation. The next dropout means alternate 2 gets an invitation, and so on.
The week before the race, we will send out a list of alternates who have not yet been given firm invitations. Those people are welcome to come to Memphis and take the chance that some of the invited 50 cars will not show up. Once all the invited cars in attendance have passed tech inspection, or if there are invited cars that do not pass tech, then any empty slots will be filled by the alternates in attendance. Alternates who do not make it into the field will not be allowed to race, and alternates will not be added once the drive to the track begins.
Last year we had several cars fall through before the race, and another nine on race day, so the chances of an alternate becoming a Pump Gas Drags participant are pretty good.

THINGS YOU ALL NEED TO BE ESPECIALLY AWARE OF
As you may know, the amount of fuel that will be provided by Rockett Brand at the track has been increased to 12 gallons from the 10 gallons that we initially announced. Other rules have not changed, and you must read them either on hotrod.com or in the January ’05 issue of the magazine. Please note that the rule about no decals or lettering on the cars will be strictly enforced. Also, it’s very important that your car passes all the NHRA safety rules for the speeds that you run, and that means you also must have the required clothing and an NHRA license. If you cannot get a license between now and the race, there’s a chance you can get one at Memphis Motorsports Park on the test and tune on Thursday night, but we strongly suggest you do not wait that long. Also, Hot Rod will attend the Thursday night test and tune.
You need to plan now about how you will get to Comp Cams with as little fuel as possible in the system. Showing up bone dry is the best option. We will have a fuel drain station set up, but it is your responsibility to arrange a convenient fuel drain and to convince us that the system is empty. Cars that cannot be easily drained may not pass tech.

WHAT ABOUT HOTELS?
We are meetin...[Message truncated]

Thanks for giving me the #1 alternate spot and look forward to replying with a big YES that I'll be there, soon as I hear from you.

THANKS AGAIN,

AL

Did any of the alternates get the email? I did'nt and am the 7th alt. Just want to be sure I am in on the email traffic to know where I stand as it gets near the race date. I competed last year so I know the drill so if we were not supposed to get it it's no big deal. Just don't want to get overlooked in case I get in. BTW, I can be there on the date. Thanks for the consideration again this year. Hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Chris Johnson