A source close to the Kalitta operation confirmed with
CompetitionPlus.com that Jeff Arend will return in 2009 as the driver
of the Team Kalitta Funny Car. Originally Arend had been hired as a
temporary job but we are told the team chemistry sealed the deal for
the 2009 return. Amidst speculation, the team will only field the car
Arend will drive and no second, at least at this time.

A source tells CompetitionPlus.com that a second Mopar-sponsored Pro Stocker will likely hit the track in 2009 under the Allen Johnson umbrella. Could a well-known high profile driver get the gig? Could this be an opportunity for a past national event finalist now sitting on the sidelines to mix it up with the best of of the Pro Stock class for 24 races?

A solid source has confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com that leading IHRA Top Fuel driver and Top Alcohol Dragster pilot Spencer Massey is being courted by a top name NHRA team owner for a full series ride in 2010. So interested in Massey's talents this top team owner is said to have him under contract for 2009 to ensure that he'll be available for 2010. Could he be the heir apparent for a leading driver or will he be a teammate? That is the multi-million dollar question being bantered around.

The word floating around the pits in Dallas suggests that ace tuner Mike Kloeber will be reunited with Tommy Johnson Jr. for the final four races of the season.

Kloeber, who was with Bob Tasca and most recently Bob Gilbertson, will assume the tuning duties. 

The last time Kloeber and TJ worked toger was in 1995 when the Johnson family fielded their Mopar-sponsored dragster.

Current Funny Car driver Tommy Johnson Jr. entered the nitro ranks in the 1990s driving a Top Fuel car and according to multiple sources, he could be headed back there again. The real question is under which team and sponsorship? CompetitionPlus.com has learned there will be a few new Top Fuel rides next year.

A source tells CompetitionPlus.com that Richie Stevens will be running a Mopar this weekend at the NHRA O'Reilly Fallnationals in Ennis, Texas. Reportedly, Stevens will drive a new Nitrofish Dodge Stratus purchased from Don Schumacher by Kenny Koretsky. The car is the same one that Justin Humphries drove in 2008 and will be powered by Davd Nickens horspower. We are told the car has already tested with positive results in Kennedale, Texas in the days leading up to the event.

At least one former world champion admits the lure of 1,000-foot racing could bring him back into competition after being absent from the nitro ranks. Reportedly, the lesser expense related to running this length has a few other drag racing diehards looking at a possible return.

Sources who have declined to speak on the record have confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com that newly christened team owner Alan Johnson has picked his tuners for his nitro teams.

Reportedly Aaron Brooks, who most recently tuned Frank Hawley to the No. 1 Funny Car qualifying position in Charlotte has been given the nod for the tuning position for an unnamed, but much-speculated driver.

The Top Fuel addition should come as no surprise as this selection is reportedly AJ’s U.S. Army dragster right-hand man Jason McCulloch will join him in the venture.

A reliable source indicates that former Top Fuel driver, NASCAR competitor and Indy racer John Andretti has made overtures that he wouldn't mind a return to drag racing. Reportedly, the former driver for baseball player Jack Clark, discussed the plans with one major nitro team owner. The sticking point to his return apparently is the reluctance to commit to a full 24-race schedule. His desire to remain partially involved in a roundy-round capacity is what reportedly creates the problem.

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.