The rumor mill has been churning overtime, and one name which keeps making its way around is Tommy Delago. Word has it Delago's contract has expired at Don Schumacher Racing and the past championship tuner decided to explore his options. From what we hear, the greener pasture Delago is set to explore is located in Michigan and according to multiple sources, include a Funny Car.

Word has it JNR Racing, the in-house engine building program for Jeg Coughlin Jr., has been closed down. Apparently, Coughlin isn't quitting Pro Stock but is exploring a multitude of horsepower options.

Let the silly season begin on a positive note, word has it the Jim Dunn Racing team has signed a new sponsor and according to sources has been buying up an arsenal of new parts. Contrary to rumors floating around in Pomona of his departure, Todd Lesenko has been re-signed as the driver for the team.

The silly season isn't limited to race teams and drivers. Reportedly at least one of the tracks on the ten-race ADRL tour will not return for the group's 2013 season. Word has it the ADRL will announce their schedule by next week.

Royal Purple Raceway, located outside of Houston, Texas, is rumored out as a series track. The facility regularly hosted the season-opening event.

The word floating in certain circles high up in the NHRA is the 2013 NHRA event at Firebird Raceway will be the last for the facility located outside of Phoenix, Az. Reportedly, the track recieved word the lease will not be renewed causing the track to cease to exist after April of 2013.

Apparently disgusted with the direction the Pro Modified class has taken, CompetitionPlus.com has learned Roger Burgess will park his Pro Modified team in the series he sponsors at the end of the season. As it stands now, unless a new series sponsor is procured, 2013 will likely be the final season for the Pro Modified class in the NHRA after a storied 12-year run.

Could there be a big coup on the safety products horizon? CompetitionPlus.com has learned through multiple sources on Friday, Simpson Performance Products will announce they have acquired Han's Performance Products, the well-known head and neck restraint system.

Three-time champion Larry Dixon, for three events in 2012, has been named as the interim driver for Dote Racing. Word comes to us the team is considering, but has not finalized, a new driver already for 2013. We are told the new driver is expected to test during the Monday Morning Nationals following the Charlotte event.

Next week the NHRA is expected to announce the 2013 national event schedule. But will there be more? Word has it from insiders the series sponsor Coca-Cola will shift their marketing approach from the Full Throttle brand. Could the replacement be Fuze? This is a brand they will soon put a major marketing push behind. Instead of 'Go Full Throttle', will we hear 'Light the Fuze?' 8-27 update - The Sports Business Journal confirmed what CompetitionPlus.com reported on 8-23.