Multiple sources have confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com, after four races, former Pro Stock champion turned crew chief Jim Yates has left Ron Krisher's team. We are still investigating and will have more information once it becomes available.

Following a less than spectacular performance at the recently completed NHRA O'Reilly Route 66 Nationals, rumor has it that some changes have been made within the Bob Vandergriff Jr. Top Fuel operation. Reportedly, longtime crewchief Jim Dupuy has been replaced by Rob Flynn. Mike Guger will now tune Hot Rod Fuller in the Yas Marina dragster. Flynn will be assisted by Keith Stewart while Dave Fletcher will assist Guger.

A strong inner circle rumor suggests Matt Smith already has a deal in place to race later this year, The veteran Pro Stock Bike rider, who won the NHRA Supernationals in Englishtown, NJ, only to lose his sponsorship a week later, will reportedly race in two forthcoming NHRA Get Screened America Pro Modified events.

We are told that Smith will drive a brand new 2011 Camaro from Jerry Bickel Race Cars at the events in Indianapolis and Charlotte.

IDG will continue as the major sponsor for the team.

Multiple sources have confirmed a change has been made regarding the tuning direction of the Service Central Funny Car driven by Johnny Gray at Don Schumacher Racing. What we're hearing is the new tuner will be Rob Wendland beginning in Chicago. Lee Beard, the previous crew chief on the team, will reportedly remain with the team.

If you liked the iconic yellow and black striped Camaro in the blockbuster movie Transformers, then you'll likely be pleased with the one we hear will be driven by a certain someone coming BACK to Pro Stock next season.

Melanie Troxel, the Bristol Pro Modified winner behind the wheel of a Corvette, was moved over to a supercharged Camaro for the Norwalk event. If what we hear comes to pass, when the GSA tour returns from its summer break, she will climb behind the wheel of a new Mustang from the in-house R2B2 chassis shop during the NHRA U.S. Nationals. The Mustang was originally prepared for Brad Personnet. This one is subject to change.

Word has it that Funny Car racer Brian Thiel, following his DNQ performance at the NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga., will be sitting out the next three races. Most likely he will return at Norwalk.

The word floating around the Pro Mod pits in Atlanta suggests a new car is on the way for turbocharged Pro Mod icon Brad Personnet. Reportedly his new car will be a new lightweight 2011 Mustang from the new R2B2 chassis shop in Georgia.

Word has it the sideline visit for John Medlen will be a brief one. Last week, Medlen resigned his position at Don Schumacher Racing when he was reassigned to the engine shop after an unsuccessful second stint as tuner on the NAPA Auto Parts Funny Car. Could we see Medlen back in action as early as this weekend with another Funny Car team? We're still chasing down details but we can tell you this much -- it isn't Ford, Mopar or GM-based operation. That should narrow it down.