During the just-completed NHRA U.S. Nationals team owner Don Prudhomme and driver Larry Dixon, Jr., in separate conversations with CompetitionPlus.com staffers, said that the legendary team owner’s contract with U.S. Tobacco still has two years remaining.  Interestingly, today’s New York Times reports that the Altria Group is said to be in talks to purchase UST for a reported $10B (that’s B as in billion!).  If that purchase goes through we’re wondering what effect, if any, that might have on Prudhomme’s sponsorship.  But, with that said it remains possible that Dixon could end his long term relationship with Prudhomme to take over Alan Johnson’s new Top Fuel venture.  If that were to come about we’ve got an even more interesting scenario for you to chew on:  Dixon goes to Johnson, Prudhomme, with corporate permission, re-directs the U.S. Tobacco sponsorship to Tim Wilkerson’s Funny Car.  That would provide Wilkerson with top level funding while enabling Prudhomme to lower his own costs by selling his existing hardware and parting company with his current employees.  Hmmmm.  Sounds like a good one!