For Arend, the former Toronto-based racer who now resides in San Dimas, CA., the Las Vegas SummitRacing.com Nationals was the end of an absolute whirl wind 2 weeks. In what may very well be some sort of record for forming a new team in the shortest period of time, Arend was back in the saddle of a nitro Funny Car.

"I really can't believe all that has happened in the last couple of weeks," said Arend. "To come to Las Vegas with my own team (in conjunction with business partner Tony Reding and marketing partner Jeff Flasco) and run as well as we did is just unbelievable. We owe all of this fast start to Paul Smith who worked so hard to put our deal together just so we could be here. As you know Paul raced his Top Fuel car at Gainesville -- and ever since has been on the road and assembling our car. The fact we ran so fast right out of the box (4.941 secs at 306.95 mph) reflects exactly what I have always said about Paul Smith. There is nobody else I would rather have in my camp. Paul gave me a big chance some years ago and now I'm glad I have the opportunity to return the favour."

Despite the very impressive run which would have otherwise qualified Jeff #13 for eliminations at Las Vegas -- he was on the outside looking in come Sunday. That was primarily due to the rather bizarre consequences of the first two scheduled sessions being rained out (a real rarity at the Las Vegas desert strip) which ultimately limited Jeff's opportunities to renew his FC license.

"It's unfortunate what went down, there was also some miscommunications between NHRA and our team," Jeff added. "The bizarre weather didn't help our cause but we do understand that NHRA has its rules and we certainly don't want to break them. We will finish up our licensing at Houston -- all I need is one run over 280 mph and we are good to go."

Arend did confirm that his team will again run the Victory-chassied C-5 Corvette at Houston next weekend. The team does have plans to evolve toward a Pontiac Firebird body -- however that consideration will be made on a race to race basis. The CMKX/Can-Am Motorsports team is scheduled to compete at all the remaining 2004 NHRA POWERade events.

Much of the centre of gravity at Las Vegas about Arend's racing comeback did revolve around the who/what of his new sponsor, Canadian Urban Casavant. For Casavant, a long time drag racing fan who doubles as President and CEO of Casavant Mining & Kimberlite International, the opportunity to go major league drag racing is something he has long strived for.

"I've always followed and been interested in drag racing even back to my days as a spectator at Saskatoon International Raceway," said Urban. "I'm proud that I am now in the position to give both the Canadian and American drag racing fans something they can root for. We are assembling a very talented team and we are beginning to chart a very successful and long term future."

Casavant mining business involves the search for diamonds. He has been a highly successful prospector around the world for some 17 years. The Kimberlite Pipes region which is near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and which his CMKX company owns mineral rights to, is regarded as one of the most promising sites in the world.

"In diamond mining there is never any 100% guarantees," Urban explained. "We have a huge site with world class machinery and highly educated people exploring it. The gem quality is at least 2.5 X the world average and we are doing year round mining. I saw an opportunity where aligning myself with drag racing would have benefits to all of our thousands of shareholders. Not only does it help get the word out about the exact work we do -- we think it will also help attract additional investors."

The company, which is publicly traded does have a website: www.casavantmining.com.

(Photo by : Bruce Biegler)