he popular consensus amongst those working the rumor mill is that contingent on bringing cash to the table, Brandon Bernstein will likely be Shawn Langdon's replacement as the driver of the second Morgan Lucas Racing dragster. While this remains the leading scenario, a darkhorse in the bid to fill the seat might be "Hot Rod" Fuller, who is said to be done in his ride with Bob Vandergriff Jr. Fuller, as we hear, might be more than just a darkhorse. What remains to be seen is whether the Yas Marina deal moves with him. What he does have are a number of solid associate deals.

In what has become one of the worst kept secrets in drag racing, reportedly Larry Dixon will join Del Worsham in not returning to Al-Anabi Racing for 2012. Sources indicate Dixon, for unknown reasons at this time, will leave the team to make way for a pair of new drivers for the Alan Johnson-managed team, both of who are said to be past NHRA series champions. CompetitionPlus.com has tried multiple times to reach Dixon unsuccessfully. A source close to the situation tells CompetitionPlus.com that Dixon isn't planning to retire and plans to drive in 2012.

The latest in the tuner carousel has Cruz Pedregon's tuner of the last two seasons Danny DeGennaro headed to John Force Racing. There's no word at this time which team he will be assigned to.

Dickie Venables, most recently with Don Schumacher Racing, is now a free agent after being released on Monday.

Sources indicate the long awaited announcement of Del Worsham as the new crew chief for rookie Funny Car racer Alexis Dejoria will come tomorrow on the grand stage of USA Today. This announcement should bring a good measure of mainstream attention to the straight-line sport.

Lee Beard is expected to become the crew chief for Cruz Pedregon's Funny Car in 2012. Beard is also expected to be a consultant for Terry McMillen's Top Fuel dragster as well.

Sources indicate, amidst the rumors floating around regarding the merging of Al Anabi Racing and Morgan Lucas Racing, that Lucas will likely announce his tuning team as early as this week. There's no word as to whether the Lucas camp will field two dragsters at this time. This expected announcement should officially end speculation of Lucas teaming with Alan Johnson for 2012.

Multiple sources tell CompetitionPlus.com that one Countdown qualifying team has begun the process of dismantling. We are told the team owner called a meeting on Sunday afternoon, following his team's elimination from the NHRA AAA Finals, to inform them of his retirement from the sport. We'll reveal more details as they become available.

Word floating around in this silly season has a sponsor known for its ties to the fuel ranks headed to the land of natural aspiration and carbs. The carbs In-n-Out will reportedly serve up in 2012 will be a part of a forthcoming Pro Stock team. Our sources indicate this team will have a driver with Super Stock experience. There's no word yet whether the In-N-Out deal will remain in nitro.

If you noticed the Traxxas display at the recently completed Big O Tires NHRA Nationals in las Vegas, the presence of the leading radio control car, trucks and boats manufacturer was not only for entertainment purposes. Our sources indicate this was a prelude to a sponsorship activation which will include major presence on a nitro team. At least three well-known teams were vying for the deal, but the one who landed it, will certainly be a force to be reckoned with in 2012.