Will there be an announcement this weekend at zMax Dragway?

Dave Despain clearly identified the mere mention as a rumor, but the host of Speed Channel’s Wind Tunnel clearly provided the rumor fodder for the week.

Despain reignited talk of a Bruton Smith NHRA purchase by revealing a yet-unpublished rumor suggesting John Force had gathered $100 Million worth of investors including late night talk show icon Jay Leno only to be turned down because the NHRA “had an offer already on the table.” Will there be an announcement this weekend at zMax Dragway?

Dave Despain clearly identified the mere mention as a rumor, but the host of Speed Channel’s Wind Tunnel clearly provided the rumor fodder for the week.

Despain reignited talk of a Bruton Smith NHRA purchase by revealing a yet-unpublished rumor suggesting John Force had gathered $100 Million worth of investors including late night talk show icon Jay Leno only to be turned down because the NHRA “had an offer already on the table.”

His comments were directed towards Marcus Smith, President and CEO of SMI, Lowes Motor Speedway and zMax Dragway, during Sunday’s episode.

The son of famed motorsports icon Bruton Smith appeared as if he was hearing the rumor for the first time during Sunday evening’s show.

“We’ve had an offer on the table for some time … we’ve had certainly substantial interest,” said Smith. “For the last several months we’ve focused on zMax Dragway. We’ve not been involved in anything lately.”

Smith played off the Force and Leno rumor citing, “That sounds like a good idea.”

Rumors have swirled in the months leading up to this weekend’s NHRA Carolinas Nationals that the event will provide the stage to announce SMI’s purchase of the sanctioning body.

Will there be an announcement?

“None that I am aware of, but you never know,” Smith told Despain.