A source close to the situation has confirmed that Evan Knoll has completed the purchase of Dexter Tuttle's Top Fuel operation. While a driver has yet to be named for that team, we are hearing that J.R. Todd will remain under the Torco Race Fuels banner as the driver of the POW-MIA Dragster in 2008.

Knoll will reportedly increase his personal involvement with the Top Fuel division for 2008 with as many as four Top Fuel teams under his ownership. The Tuttle purchase will give him three, but is a fourth looming on the horizon as well?

A prominent source within the
Team Kalitta organization contacted Torco's CompetitionPlus.com on Sunday evening to
inform drag racing fans there is a fifty-fifty chance none of their four nitro
cars will make the trip to upcoming events in Las Vegas and Pomona.

The rumor mill is starting back up again and the latest banter is that Angelle Sampey could rejoin forces with George Bryce in 2008. Torco's CompetitionPlus.com contacted a source close to the team who declined comment.

Sources indicate that IHRA mountain motor Pro Stock racer John Nobile is looking at the prospects of returning to 500-inch racing. If this pans out, he's planning to align himself with Larry Morgan and race a Mopar. As many as three of the leading mountain motor racers are said to be headed the 500-inch path as well. However, based on last weekend's event in Budds Creek and the promotions the IHRA conducted over the weekend in conjunction with the class, some are wavering in their decision.

George Bryce is known for his exploits in working with Pro Stock Motorcycles, but a source tells us that he will debut a 1968 Hemi Barracuda to run in A/Super Modified for 2008. Reportedly this venture is intended to promote a new business venture with Super Stock wizard Ray Barton. Their program will restore classic 1968 Hemi Barracuda's for street use.

Word has it that a well known female Alcohol Funny Car driver will enter the final two races of the IHRA season ... and just maybe be back in full swing for 2008.

A certain yellow and black IHRA Nitro Funny Car will be back in competition beginning with the upcoming event at Milan, Michigan. Not only will the car be sponsored by a new-to-drag-racing, non-traditional entity, but there will also be a new driver behind the wheel. Interestingly, the new sponsor is heavily involved in stick-and-ball sports. More details are forthcoming.
 

The question being
bantered around the professional ranks focuses on the agenda when members of the NHRA upper management
meets with the P.R.O. technical committee in Dallas. An email was reportedly distributed
by the NHRA seeking this meeting.

After a short stint driving for Evan Knoll in 2006, word has it that former Top Alcohol Dragster champion Steve Torrence could be returning this season as part of three-car Top Fuel program. From what we are hearing, he will run alongside a former champion.

A source close to the team has told Torco's CompetitionPlus.com that John
Force is seriously considering bringing the fourth car out in competition before
the 2007 season is complete. While this car is clearly earmarked for Mike
"Zippy" Neff  for 2008, don't be surprised if he makes it to a few of the events
during the final phase of the Countdown to the Championship or sooner. Word has
it that JFR is scrambling right now in order to have a car ready to test after
Memphis.