A source close to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH., confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com the NHRA and Bruton Smith's Speedway Motorsports Inc., have had discussions in regard to building a drag strip on speedway property similar to the one on the grounds of Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Having a strong northeastern presence has been a priority for the NHRA's upper management since issues regarding the future of Old Bridge Township Raceway Park began to surface in years past. The real issue with the Loudon possibility is the lack of space for such a venue.

A source has told CompetitionPlus.com that the Antron Brown experiment has worked so well that nitro teams are seriously considering Pro Stock Motorcycle riders as valid candidates for driving jobs, especially in Top Fuel. Reportedly NitroFish-sponsored Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Matt Smith is getting some looks and has presented a serious interest in driving 300-miles per hour.

Sources have told CompetitionPlus.com a reported inconsistency of the spec fuel for IHRA's Pro Stock division has not only caused several teams to cry foul for damaged engines but also has inspired the sanctioning body to open a second supplier as a viable option. We are told that in Budds Creek, Maryland, that instead of the exclusive spec Torco Race Fuel, that VP's C23 fuel will also be made available.

CompetitionPlus.com is investigating this story and will have more once it develops. 

CompetitionPlus.com has learned from multiple sources that NHRA Funny Car racer Bob Tasca III was denied entry for this weekend's IHRA Torco President's Cup Nationals in Budds Creek, Md. Expect the Ford Motorcraft-sponsored team to join in Martin, Michigan on Friday with Don Schumacher's collection of nitro teams testing a multitude of items including the three-rail chassis required by Denver. The new Goodyear 2550 tire will not be available until next weekend in Englishtown.

If there happens to be a nitro racing stoppage due to lack of supply, remember this tidbit we've learned from multiple sources close to the situation.

The NHRA first turned down Don Schumacher as a second distributor for nitromethane.

The NHRA also turned down the trio of Schumacher, Kenny Bernstein and John Force who were planning to join together in a distributorship.

What may seem odd is the NHRA also reportedly turned down non-racers, Bob Coffman and Glen Williams a.k.a. "The Cowboys" to serve as second distributors.

Sources indicate that Don Schumacher Racing will have their five nitro teams at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan next week for testing. We are told that a total of eight cars will be at the track testing various items including the new Goodyear D2550 tire.

The expected nitro price increase will reportedly go into effect this weekend during the NHRA's Torco Race Fuels Route 66 Nationals in Chicago. A source told CompetitionPlus.com the price from the NHRA's official supplier could soar to over $1400 per barrel.

CompetitionPlus.com has learned from multiple sources in the know that motorsports mogul Bruton Smith is looking very closely at purchasing Dover Motorsports and with that purchase, he would not only get the speedways in Dover, Del., St. Louis, Mo., and Memphis, Tenn., but also the drag strips. The strips in St. Louis and Memphis hold strategic dates on the NHRA calendar. 

If, and this is a big if, this comes to fruition the total drag strips owned by Smith's Speedway Motorsports, Inc., would grow to six.

Multiple sources have confirmed an unsubstantiated rumor that following the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Pro Stock racer Justin Humphreys and crew chief/engine builder Dick Maskin parted ways in the professional capacity. There's no official word at this moment and neither Humphreys or Maskin could be reached for comment.

We're also hearing that Maskin could soon be teamed with a past world champion. Stay tuned.

A source tells CompetitionPlus.com many of the Cacklefest participants at the National Hot Rod Reunion are being told there are no nitro distributors planning to be on-site at the Bowling Green, Kentucky-based event. This information came from a letter penned by the NHRA's Hot Rod Heritage Series director Steve Gibbs and instructs the nitro racers and cackle particpants to "fend for themselves". The letter reportedly concludes with the statement, "I'm afraid the nitro problem is for real."