Unsubstantiated Rumors

Remember, if you have a story lead or news that you would like to share with us, or even some good old-fashioned gossip, drop us a line at rumors@competitionplus.com.

• Word has it there has been a change of crewchiefs for the Pro Stock entry driven by Dave Connolly. From what we hear, crewchief Terry Adams has been relieved of his duties following the team's DNQ at Bristol. (5-2-2006)

• For those around in the Eighties that remember Bob Glidden's dominance as a driver and relentless work ethic, will recall he acquired the nickname "Mad Dog" because of that. His reputation was in making Ford-powered cars run really quick. Could that be in the future for "Mad Dog"? Let the speculation begin. (5-1-2006)

• Reportedly Evan Knoll is going to name another driver to pilot his personal Top Fuel dragster. Our sources have conveyed the car is being taken to Murph McKinney for a back-half to make it legal for NHRA POWERade competition. The fun doesn't stop there as we also hear he is in negotiations to buy not only a well-known Top Fuel team but a nitro Funny Car program as well.

As if that's not enough, Knoll could be purchasing land for a new race shop to be based in Indianapolis. (4-27-2006)

• We have heard from multiple sources already regarding a new procedure to absolve Goodyear from future lawsuits. Reportedly Goodyear is seeking to entice nitro teams to enter an agreement for free tires in exchange for signing on to accept all legal responsibility associated with them whether its personal harm or injury to spectators. The individuals we have talked to (all of which are heavily involved in nitro drag racing) are said to have balked at the idea.

From what we hear, this started as early as last year. We are in the process of contacting Goodyear for confirmation or denial. (4-19-2006)

• There's a good chance the fast-paced world of NHRA POWERade Pro Stock could feature more comings and goings outside of the recent split between Don Schumacher and Bob Glidden. Word has it that a well-known past Top 10 finisher in the class is expected to park his ride in the days to come. We are still trying to reach the parties involved for an official comment.

On the flipside, we are hearing that past Top 10 points earner Steve Schmidt has a hankering to return to the class and could do so soon. (4-18-2006)

•If what we're hearing is true, there's a good chance we'll see a new look for Scotty Cannon's rebuilt Pontiac GTO when it rolls out of the trailer in Rockingham. (4-18-2006)

• The word coming down the pipe is that a well-known IHRA sponsor well step up to put their name on the title rights of the NHRA's return event in Virginia. Virginia Motorsports Park left the NHRA to come to the IHRA in 2001. VMP returned to the NHRA this season. (4-14-2006)

• Has longtime Chevrolet Pro Stock Truck runner Bob Panella sold all of his Bowtie equipment to Tony Rizzo because he plans to switch his program to Mopar? (4-13-2006)

• We're told that Rhonda Hartman-Smith will return to competition with a limited schedule, beginning at Bristol and continuing in Atlanta. Watch the entry lists. (4-11-2006)

• We have it on good authority that at least one of the nitro teams will be testing at 90% nitro on Monday after Las Vegas. Apparently the new tires are at their best with an engine that is very aggressive. Could the NHRA be considering the possibility of running 90-percent again? (4-10-2006)

• According to a video interview on 1320TV.com, Chris Russell is planning to debut at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis a Top Fuel Dragster that Tate Branch will drive. Reportedly, the brother of Darrell Russell has sponsorship lined up for the venture. (4-6-2006)

• Funny Car's Mike Ashley might make a special appearance as a Pro Modified driver during AMS Pro Modified Challenge competition at Englishtown, New Jersey. He claims Old Bridge Township Raceway Park as his home track. The two-time NHRA Pro Modified champion reportedly will debut a 1968 Camaro Pro Modified that weekend. (4-6-2006)

• The word floating around Flint, Michigan, is that a certain group of Hardcore drag racers are going to be featured on an episode of "Pinks" this summer. Stay tuned. It could have a Torco's CompetitionPlus.com connection. (4-6-2006)

• Take a look at some of the new front ends on the GTO Pro Stockers and compare it to the older ones, it may not be a total optical illusion of difference. Could it be the ID chips inside the fiberglass are relocated from one to another? That's the word we're hearing. With the full template measured at the start of the season, it could easilly slip by the naked eye. (4-5-2006)

• Could Evan Knoll be plotting another car in his stable of personal race cars? If what we're hearing comes to fruition, there could be a second A/Fuel Dragster forthcoming. (4-5-2006)

• The word has it floating through the pits that Dave Connolly will have an influential figure in his pits at Las Vegas. Reportedly, Rickie Smith will help out longtime friend Terry Adams in sorting out the SKULL GEAR-sponsored Chevrolet Cobalt. The word has it the chassis suffers in the first 330-feet, but after that works like a charm. If they can't get it to work right, the team will return to the Jerry Haas chassis they crashed earlier in the year. (4-4-2006)

• Gary Scelzi's problems may be solved as on Monday after Houston the test tested and laid down an impressive 4.79 on a car that was basically built in Houston. Morgan Lucas also tested on a newly prepared dragster after it was deemed his Sunday car had structural damage from the wheelstand in eliminations. (4-4-2006)

• The most talked about subject in the Torco Pro Modified pits during the IHRA Texas Nationals was the strong potential for adjustments to the supercharged combination following a strong showing. Our sources say the adjustments will not come in the form of supercharger overdrive or weight additions. The reported adjustments will center around the supercharger and permitted modifications. (3-28-2006)

• Carl Spiering's crash may have dealt a setback to his championship hopes in the early going but not as much as you think. We are hearing that he has a new early-model Camaro that may be pushed into action sooner than expected. (3-28-2006)

• While Scotty Cannon may proclaimed that he'd put "lipstick on the old sow" more affectionately known as his ageless 1953 Studebaker, talk was going through the pits that the team's Vanishing Point Race Cars will be rebuilt in time for Rockingham. (3-28-2006)

•During the Eastern Spring Test Nationals, IHRA Pro Stock driver Angelo Alesci was making laps in Charlie Taylor's entry. The word floating around is that displaced driver Frank Gugliotta may be behind the wheel for the IHRA opener San Antonio, Texas. (3-22-2006)

• Word has it that two formidable engine sealing manufacturers have entered into merger talks. If this union comes to fruition, it may become one of the most diverse and capable gasket manufacturing forces in the performance aftermarket. (3-16-2006)

• Could Kenny Nowling's American Drag Racing League soon be in the nitromethane business? Nowling has conveyed to Torco's CompetitionPlus.com that sponsor negotiations are going on for a fuel Funny Car field at ADRL events with a purse similar to that of the IHRA. (3-15-2006)

• Veteran driver Tom Martino seems to be making his way around the conglomeration of Larry Morgan-powered cars. This weekend in Gainesville, he'll reportedly be driving a second car for V. Gaines. Most recently, Martino drove a second entry for Morgan. (3-14-2006)

•Could there be turbocharged cars in the Pro Modified pits when the IHRA tour rolls into Rockingham in April? We're hearing from a very reliable source that that may very well be the case. Would those behind the AMS program on the NHRA side follow suit since they have adopted IHRA rules for the 2006 season? There's never a dull moment in the Pro Mod world. (3-12-2006)

• Look for Ashley Force to test again on the Tuesday following the CSK Nationals behind the wheel of a Mustang prepared for her and not her dad John Force's entry. The tuner will be Dean Antonelli which will be something to watch for in the future. (2-26-2006)

• The IHRA's new series sponsor, which is expected to be announced on Wednesday, is a non-automotive sponsor but what makes this even more interesting is the company is said to be a publicly traded entertainment company. Could this have an excellent tie-in with the newest of the Clear Channel properties - Live Nation? (2-21-2006)

• As the Pro Modified World Turns continues. Reportedly, the NHRA has signed the contract and mailed it to officials at AMS Staff Leasing. This information comes from an official who would rather remain unnamed. (2-12-2006)

• There's a war brewing in the pits between current nitro sponsors, and it came to a head today on the Midway in Pomona. Stuck in the middle of the rumble is the NHRA's Marketing Department. We're remaining mum on the parties involved in order for diplomacy to have a chance for success. (2-10-2006)

• If it seems as if Mopar Pro Stock drivers Richie Stevens and Larry Morgan have a performance advantage over the other cars in their brand, it might just be a new block that the factory has developed. Production is underway but the aforementioned drivers got the first two released. More are expected by Phoenix or most likely Gainesville. The major difference in the design is in the bottom of this unit. (2-9-2006)

• Don't be surprised if IHRA Top Fuel racing has a bit of a boot-stomping, Nashville kind of sound to it in 2006. Our sources are telling us that a team planning to run the full tour has landed a Nashville-based entertainment company as a sponsor. The source is sworn to secrecy and has even offered up the farm as collateral for its validity. (2-9-2006)

• Mike Corvo might have missed out on the Don Schumacher driving gig but we're getting word that on Monday he received two offers to driver, one on the NHRA POWERade tour and the other in IHRA Hooters. (2-8-2006)

• We're hearing that a contract for the Pro Modified series has been in the NHRA's hands for some time now and that's the reason it hasn't been announced yet. That delay could be the deciding factor between full fields and not so full fields at some NHRA events in 2006. Teams are making their decisions based on the current programs available. (2-8-2006)

•A rumor floating around at the Pro Stock Super Bowl in Vegas is that Bruton Smith is now looking to form a partnership with the NHRA rather than buy the organization outright. In this latest version of the "will he or won't he" saga, Smith would buy all of the tracks owned by the sanctioning body and then broker a television deal with ESPN and ABC. ESPN would broadcast qualifying and ABC would present the eliminations rounds. This story just gets more interesting with each telling. Will we ever know all the details? Time will tell. (2-3-2006)

•Bob Gilbertson's Dodge Stratus Funny Car will be sporting a new associate sponsor's signage soon, according to sources close to the team. The company involved has been involved with the NHRA on a significant scale for a number of years. (2-3-2006)

•Here's a 17-million-dollar question that begs to be answered: Has Bradenton Motorsports Park been sold? That's the latest word coming out of the Sunshine State, although nothing has been confirmed. This venerable facility, home of the Snowbird Nationals, has long been a favorite winter testing spot for professional teams, and new owners and an injection of cash may be just what's needed to keep it that way. (2-3-2006)

• In the words of the late Ed Dykes, founder of the Drag Race Central website, "Some stories are just too good to confirm." However, this one would be better left as an unsubstantiated rumor. This tale (not a fable) centers around a nitro team and three cylinder head manaufacturers whom we will name "A", "B" and "C." When this team acquired a great deal of equipment utilizing brand "A," they sold them to another team. Normally, they would have used the orginial manufacturer but "A" only services a limited number of clients. The focus was then put on "B." However, a burned bridge between the parties involved sent them to brand "C." (2-2-2006)

If you're thoroughly confused by this story, that's acceptable. Just remember the moral of the story, burned bridges sometimes come back to haunt you. (1-31-2006)

• Here's another tidbit of information that might just give a bit more credence to the all-American Pro Stock Motorcycle class of the future. Reportedly, Suzuki wasn't afforded the opportunity to bid on the program now held by Harley-Davidson. We are hearing that officials from Suzuki are understandably upset at the way it was handled. However, they are said to be angrier yet with the offer by NHRA to become the sanctioning body's "Official ATV."

Needless to say, we are hearing that Suzuki's plans for a new engine development program could be in jeopardy for this season. (1-30-2006)

• How serious is next week's Schumacher Showdown in Las Vegas? Reportedly Mopar is intent on giving Shawn Carlson the best chance and with that said, we've caught wind the former Sport Compact standout is under the tutelage of drag school instructor Roy Hill for the next few days doing nothing but making lap after lap. We are also hearing that Mopar is picking up the tab for this since Carlson is reportedly their preference. (1-30-2005)

• Here's a question to ponder. Could the recent program announced with Harley-Davidson serve as a precursor to an all American-made Pro Stock Motorcyle class? Time will tell. (1-29-2005)

• In this wonderful world world of racing announcements, word has it the throaty rumble of Kenny Koretsky's announcements will come on Friday with another scheduled for Monday. The first is expected to be in regard to his Pro Stock program and the second will reportedly have a television connection. The famous family involved should find the world of Captain Chaos to be rather familiar. (1-27-2005)

• The word on the street is that Barnett Performance is building two Super Stock/A Automatic cars. The high-flying machines will reportedly be driven by Stewart Way and David Rampy's father-in-law, Sonny Ray. (1-26-2006)

• The only program that can rival Bob Vandergriff's extended announcement of sponsorship with UPS, is the NHRA's Pro Modified program. Reportedly the announcement will be made this weekend for a 10- race series in 2006 with the winner's purse reduced to $5000 The series is a joint venture between AMS Staff Leasing and a new mail order parts business owned by RV magnate Roger McCombs.(1-26-2006)

• So who is Don Schumacher's second Pro Stock driver? There's going to be a competition in Las Vegas to determine that. Word has it that Mike Corvo, Jr., will be at DSR land to be fitted for the car. However, we are hearing that both he and Shawn Carlson will drive during the Pro Stock Super Bowl in Las Vegas with the winner taking home the prize. (1-25-2005)

• We are still investigating and have calls in to the parties involved. If what we're hearing is true, a crew chief change and a new driver announcement could be imminent for a major Pro Stock team. The word on the street is that Bob Glidden left Don Schumacher's team in a disagreement over who the new driver should be for the second car. Glidden wanted one of his sons and Schumacher reportedly hired sport compact racer Carlson. If this pans out true, Glidden departed on Thursday. When we called Friday for confirmation, the receptionist at DSR commented, "He's out to lunch." (1-20-2005)

• Sources indicate an announcement could be forthcoming today from Kenny Koretsky regarding his new major associate sponsor. The big question remaining is will this association expand to include a Pro Stock Motorcycle in the future? (1-20-2005)

• A West Coast A/Fuel team is going to run Division 2 this year.  That's the word floating around following their success in Division 2 national events. (1-17-2006)

• Apparently former alcohol dragster standout Troy Buff will have a ride in NHRA Top Fuel competition. The word is that he's going to be the driver for an upstart team owned by Tim and Renee Coghlan. The car is reportedly from Brad Hadman and will utilize TFX powerplants. (1-17-2006)

• We keep hearing the new Charger bodies will not be out until maybe Pomona at the earliest. While the general consensus suggests the first of the Charger bodies will debut with the Brut Racing team since driver Ron Capps has been the only driver to test one, the first one could debut with Gary Scelzi at the CSK Nationals in Phoenix at the latest. (1-13-2006)

• For several seasons, you may have noticed former IHRA Pro Stock driver Angelo Alesci assisting on Brian Gahm's team. Reportedly, Alesci will return to driving in 2006 and take over the driving chores on Charlie Taylor's entry replacing Dan Seamon, Jr. Sources indicate that Seamon opted to not return in 2006 in order to spend more time with family. (1-13-2006)

• If every "i" gets dotted and "t" gets crossed this week, "Captain Chaos" Kenny Koretsky and Top Fuel driver Clay Millican could announce the procurement of a major associate sponsorship that has been one of the most sought after in drag racing. Reportedly, it is a done deal and the parties involved are working on the announcement strategy. (1-11-2006)

•The word on the street is that former Pro Modified standout Dale Brinsfield will soon be announcing that he's entering the drag racing school wars. Brinsfield, a former drag racing school instructor with Roy Hill, will reportedly be opening his own program starting in March. These instructional courses will feature everything from econo dragsters to Pro Stockers.

We're hearing from an unimpeachable source that Brinsfield will conduct his classes at Rockingham Dragway and one of the cars he'll be using is a former NHRA Pro Stocker.

Reportedly his philosophy will be to conduct courses with no more than four students at a time in order to provide as much one-on-one exposure as possible. (1-06-2006)

•This is certainly one rumor that we hope pans out. Reportedly Chris Russell has secured sponsorship for his Top Fuel program. According to sources, the team's car will be driven by Top Alcohol standout Tate Branch. (1-06-2006)

•The time frame has been stretched out longer than expected regarding the announcement of the driver for Don Schumacher's second NHRA Pro Stocker. As Torco's CompetitionPlus.com reported over a month ago, the leading candidates are all past or present Mopar drivers. The three, Greg Stanfield, Mike Corvo, Jr., and longshot Shawn Carlson, are all primed and ready to go, but it will come down to who can bring the best package to the table. Schumacher is contractually bound to bring out a second car by sponsor Mopar but reportedly there is no timetable for when he must do it.

Clearly Schumacher has said that he'd love to have a program in place by Pomona and that's the game plan, although it's not set in stone. (1-05-2006)

•While the announcement of an NHRA Pro Modified series remains on the unofficial list, defending tour champion Mike Ashley posted on at least two message boards that a new sponsor is 75% secure and the backer could be an auto parts-oriented company. Reportedly the Pro Modified class will be at 10 races. (1-04-2006)

•While Jeg Coughlin, Jr., will not be racing in Pro Stock during the 2006 season, we have heard that he will be getting some laps in behind the wheel of Harry Holton's SS/AA car. If rumors pan out, Holton could have a new Dart in 2006. (1-02-2006)

•Darlington Dragway isn't going away without a fight. Yet another rumor has surfaced, indicating a deposit has been put down on the track for the lease formerly owned by past drag racers Johnny Rocca and Carlton Philips. (1-02-2006)

• Nobody lays down the gauntlet better than drag racers. During a special test session scheduled for January 9 - 14, we are hearing that Warren and Kurt Johnson are headed to South Georgia Motorsports Park and the one thing on their minds is a 6.5-second run. Word has it that WJ made a call and let the track management know the next rip will be a quicker endeavor than the recently completed session. (12-21-2005)

• Look for at least two major announcements during the first week of January for Top Fuel teams. Both teams will announce non-automotive sponsors for competition. One will be an NHRA exclusive program and the other will run both tours. Here's a hint...both companies operate worldwide. (12-20-2005)

• Is the "Grump" Bill Jenkins now working with another GM team? One of our photographers working the recent test session there spotted the veteran engine builder assisting former NHRA Pro Stock champion Jim Yates. How ironic was it that Jenkins former client Evan Knoll's team was the only other team testing. (12-20-2005)

• After years of catering to 500-inch Pro Stock programs, Comp eliminator and quick bracket engines, it appears that Reher & Morrison may be soon making a push into Pro Modified with a nitrous program. (12-20-2005)

• Len Inbrogno, the NHRA's sportsman liason, denied any such rumors suggesting that a speed limit was being imposed on the Top Sportsman division. (12-20-2005)

• We reported recently that Johnny Gray's 10.5 car was going to be a Camaro. The latest suggests he is having Don Ness build him a first-generation Chevy II. (12-20-2005)

• The nostalgia Funny Car sensation continues to expand as we hear that Ron Capps will once again drive Jeff Gaynor's Dodge Challenger-bodied flopper. Our sources tell us that Roland Leong will tune the ride and Mopar will step up with some backing from their Direct Connection product line. (12-19-2005)

• Could another nostalgia flopper be in the planning stages. If what we're hearing comes to pass it will be prepared as a match racer opposite of the Blue Max. The hottest speculation suggests at least one half of a former duo from the old school and a current driver on the NHRA POWERade tour. (12-17-2005)

• It may come to pass and it may not. We are hearing that the NHRA is considering putting a cap on the speed being achieved by their exhibition sportsman eliminator - Top Sportsman. We have attempted to contact the NHRA's Len Imbrogno for comment on this unsubstantiated rumor. Once we hear back, we will pass on the results. (12-17-2005)

• Reportedly, one of the Funny Cars destined for the IHRA's new nitro program has landed a backer. Their new backers will be a combination of Fatheadz sunglasses and the B.A.S.F. group of companies. (12-17-2005)

• Earlier in the week, an unsubstantiated rumor surfaced that suggested the Professional Racers Organization was preparing a boycott for the NHRA Winternationals if the restriction of approved nitro suppliers was not lifted. Torco's CompetitionPlus.com contacted two of PRO's board members who adamantly deny such a move was even being considered. (12-17-2005)

• Word has it that former nitro Funny Car racer Johnny Gray could be soon returning to racing. However, this ride will not be nitro. Sources indicate that he's having a 732-inch motor being built for Outlaw 10.5 racing by none other than Reher & Morrison. We are hearing his ride could be a late-model Camaro. (12-12-2005)

• A rumor has surfaced that suggests Angelle Sampey is licensing for a Pro Stock car ride is just that. A call to Don Schumacher revealed, "The U.S. Army wants Angelle on a motorcycle so that's where she will be."

Schumacher did say that he should have an announcement forthcoming on the open Pro Stock ride. He has narrowed the candidate list to three drivers. (12-08-2005)

• Don't look for Don Prudhomme to keep associate sponsor Ameriquest for next season. Our sources tell us that sponsorship money will be headed to Jack Roush and NASCAR. (12-05-2005)

• One of the more popular rumors floating around the PRI Show revolves around the forthcoming Top Fuel team of Las Vegas businessman Doug Davenport. The word we are hearing is that his driver's seat will be filled by none other than John Spar of B&M fame. We've yet to confirm this rumor by the parties involved, but it has been popular scuttlebutt. (12-03-2005)

• Preparations are being made for the NHRA's return to Virginia Motorsports Park next Fall. According to a track official, a new racing surface is in the process of being installed and the old one removed. That should make for a record-setting return. (12-03-2005)

• With all the controversy swirling around the IHRA's potential inclusion of Toyotas and turbocharged V-6 entries in Pro Stock, could the NHRA be far off with the introduction of a factory-backed 500-inch program with Toyota? Word has it that at least one prominent team is very close to revealing plans for such a program. (12-02-2005)

• The plot thickens for the IHRA's Pro Stock future. Reportedly one current driver has threatened to build a turbocharged V-6 Ford to run in his second car. His bid was quickly squashed as officials reportedly reminded him that that particular combination is "invitation" only. While the Sport Compact cars run blocks that are essentially made of "beer can" material, the word is that the turbo cars will be allowed to use a billet block. (12-02-2005)

• Here's the tip of the day. Word has it that a popular Australian driver could be making an announcement regarding his future driving plans on Thursday, December 1. (11-30-2005)

• Word has it that Dan Sweeney has recieved a Rick Jones GTO which will be equipped with Chris Holbrook horsepower. He is planning to start testing in January with what is RJ's first IHRA Pro Stock GTO. (11-29-2005)

•While nothing could be confirmed during the holiday, it appears a new ProMod team is ready to hit the track.

Kirk Silbermann, owner of AJAX engines in Ontario, Canada reportedly has decided to go into ProMod racing in a big way. Silbermann, who had previously dabbled in the class by purchasing Gary Irvin's 41 Willy's, has purchased a new 1957 Chevy from Tim Mcamis Race Cars..

The new Chevy is now at Low Down Hot Rods in Cambridge, Ont. for finishing touches. The car will then be delivered to Scott Wildgust for wiring and plumbing. Wildgust will also be the driver in this new team.

Silbermann has hired Terry Vince of Competition Speed racing engines to build the Brad Anderson engines, as well Carl Spiering of ERD ( Engine Research and Developement) will be dyno testing the engines and providing the horsepower and consulting for the team to put together a very competitive package. (11-25-2005)

• If what we're hearing pans out, there's a very good chance that Pro Modified team owner Ed Steffey could have a new driver for the 2006 season. The word is that Dave Roemer had planned to run a new GTO, but has reportedly elected to sell that new ride as well as his trusty Camaro in order to drive for Steffey. (11-22-2005)

• There a good chance incoming Top Alcohol Funny Car rookie Jonathan Johnson, will take over the vacated Etterman Racing / Bar's Leaks seat. Our sources say to look for more on this in the next few days. (11-22-2005)

• Expect an announcement soon that Frank Pedregon will be the latest to throw his hat in the IHRA Funny Car ring. No driver has been announced but we have a sneaking suspicion who it could be. (11-21-2005)

• Quain Stott will have his second Pro Modified car at all 11 IHRA Hooters Drag Racing Series events. From what we are hearing, it could be a mix of three different drivers. One will have experience on the tour and the other two will be rookies. (11-21-2005)

• We've have it good authority that interest in the IHRA could be sold over the next few months. The question remains, will the interest being sold be that of Bill Bader or the controlling interest of Clear Channel. Talks have heated up over the last few weeks. Inside sources say such a sale could be completed by May if this comes to fruition. (11-21-2005).

• We've heard that the crewchief for Bob Vandergriff's forthcoming Top Fuel operation will be Jim Dupuy and most of the crew from the former Joe Amato operation. Word has it the long awaited program with U.P.S. could be shipping a great Christmas gift if you know what we mean. (11-18-2005)

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