Sources have indicated that PRO has elected Ray Alley to be the new leader of the organization following the departing Kenny Bernstein. CompetitionPlus.com has learned that Pro Stock driver V. Gaines is the new Vice President.

Sources close to the Professional Racers Organization (PRO) have confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com that the group plans, after a meeting on Friday, to offer the NHRA their full support of racing the nitro cars to 1,000 feet. According to highly placed source in the NHRA, the current format of racing the nitro cars to 1,000 and the rest of the eliminators to the 1320 will remain in place for 2009. PRO has yet to make an official statement on this matter.

Multiple sources have confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com that Don Schumacher Racing will undergo quite a personnel shuffle in 2009. We have learned that the FRAM team led by noted tuner Mike Green will replace the departing Alan Johnson regime while the combination of Phil Shuler and Todd Okuhara will oversee the tuning process on Cory McClenathan's FRAM dragster.

Multiple sources have confirmed that multi-time IHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car champion Mark Thomas has parked his operation for at least the 2009 season. The rumor mill is running rampant with suggestions the reason focuses on the uncertainty for 2009 to personal reasons. Time will tell on this one.

Sources indicate that Don Schumacher’s line-up WILL include three flopper teams for 2009, and no, that third car will not be Tony Schumacher. We have heard that car will be driven by a current driver on a single-car operation who brings youthful exuberance to the equation.

CompetitionPlus.com has learned that Route 66 Raceway has released a large portion of their staff and the reported cutback includes their track manager. We are still awaiting a confirmation or denial call from the Route 66 public relations department regarding this unsubstantiated rumor.

CompetitionPlus.com has learned the Jim Dunn will return in 2009 but with a different driver. Sources indicate that Pomona will be Tony Bartone's final event driving for Dunn under their current agreement. Reportedly, there are multiple drivers in the running for the gig and the winner will likely be announced at the conclusion of the season since the reported prospect is currently driving elsewhere.

CompetitionPlus.com has learned from multiple solid sources that David Powers Motorsports will be selling one of his two teams to silent partner Tim Buckley following the final event of the 2008 season. Most likely, a source tells CompetitionPlus.com, Buckley will assume ownership of the Matco Tools team driven by Antron Brown and tuned by Lee Beard. Longtime drag racing fans will recall that Buckley was once a silent partner with the late Gary Ormsby during the year he won the 1989 NHRA Top Fuel championship up until he passed away in 1991.

Multiple sources indicate that on Sunday point leader and independent NHRA Funny Car driver will announce his plans for 2009. CompetitionPlus.com has learned those plans will include Wilkerson driving a Ford-bodied flopper in an alliance with Bob Tasca III. We'll have more details as they develop.

Sources indicate that John Force Racing will field a fourth Funny Car in 2009. Sources indicate that Old Spice won't be back in 2009 but from what we are hearing JFR has secured major backing which should replace the departed sponsor. Could Force have given a hint to the reported new backer during a PA interview in Memphis?