The rumor mill will churning out some real doozies over the weekend but the one gaining the most traction relates to a front-running Top Fuel crew chief changing uniforms this next season. If this comes to pass, it will transpire after Pomona. 

Fans of the nitrous-injected Pro Modified combination won't be happy to hear this one. Word has it, Rickie Smith and Khalid al-Balooshi, two of the front-running nitrous cars in NHRA Pro Modified are running their last nitrous race in Las Vegas. Reportedly, Smith already has a proven turbocharged combination waiting in the wings with an unnamed, recognized tuner ready to call the shot.

This season might be the end of the road for the Don Schumacher Racing and the U.S. Army, but from what we hear Tony Schumacher might not be completely out of military service. Word has it Schumacher's repeated delivery for the U.S. Army has garnered the attention of other U.S. military branches who could be interested in him for next season and beyond. 

From what we hear the NHRA's tech department is looking to use the supercharger configuration as a means of slowing the fuel cars down even more in 2019. And, from what we hear in the pits, the idea is going to fly with the fuel teams as well as a lead balloon.

We have heard from multiple sources that new free agent tuner Jim Oberhofer will be at the NHRA FallNationals in Dallas tuning a Top Fuel dragster. Our team is still chasing down official comment, and once we can confirm we publish an official story. 

Just like Hurricane season is churning in the Atlantic ocean, rumors are suggesting the crew chief carousel may soon starting turning in the rough and tumble world of NHRA nitro racing. We are still investigating, but the word on the rumor mill suggests at least one major team has made a change at crew chief we will let you know as soon as we can get official confirmation. 

It will be a truly fitting gesture. We are told at keast one Top Fuel team will be outfitting their Top Fuel dragster during the Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals in a vintage Tom McEwen tribute during the Labor Day weekend. Word has it the 1978 Funny Car scheme, on the 40th anniversary of his most epic victory ever.

A story is likely forthcoming but we have heard rumblings which suggests The Professor Warren Johnson could be headed into the land speed arena. Yes, WJ on the Bonneville Salt flats. The rumor suggests he's going for 300 mph with a 300-cubic inch engine in a project with Dart Heads' Dick Maskin. We're shaking the tree, and we'll let you know what shakes out. 

Looks like there's a new Funny Car body headed to the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Word has it the 2019 Dodge Charger body will make its maiden runs on Monday following the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk. Ohio. If all goes well we understand the new body could make its competition debut at the Mopar NHRA Mile High Nationals in July.