At least one of America's “Big Three” automotive manufacturers appears to be making the right moves, in and out racing.

Ford, a manufacturer who declined to be involved in a factory backed effort for almost the entire last decade, could leapfrog its way to the front of the pack in both the Pro Stock and Funny car divisions of the NHRA within two seasons.

Strong words given the history of the Blue Oval's financial involvement in the NHRA. Strong words backed up by all which has transpired inside the automotive industry in the past few months.

If the current automotive “bailout” is any indication, Ford has shown itself to be the strongest and best prepared to move forward in tough economic times.

At least one of America's “Big Three” automotive manufacturers appears to be making the right moves, in and out racing.

Ford, a manufacturer who declined to be involved in a factory backed effort for almost the entire last decade, could leapfrog its way to the front of the pack in both the Pro Stock and Funny car divisions of the NHRA within two seasons.

Strong words given the history of the Blue Oval's financial involvement in the NHRA. Strong words backed up by all which has transpired inside the automotive industry in the past few months.

If the current automotive “bailout” is any indication, Ford has shown itself to be the strongest and best prepared to move forward in tough economic times.

While Chrysler and General Motors make no bones about needing a cash infusion to avoid bankruptcy, Ford is only asking for the assurance of a “bridge loan”.

Ploy or fact, Ford CEO Alan Mulally's request of $9 billion if the manufacturer “needed” it, sent a message the manufacturer is on the strongest financial footing of the what is recently being referred to as the “Detroit Three” versus the former “Big Three” moniker.

 

Regardless of which manufacturer does what, the reality is that Top Fuel is not the only class hurting for full-time teams in 2009. One leading print magazine called around to the various Pro Stock shops to get a feel of plans for 2009 and was barely able to compile a listing of ten teams expecting to run a full 24-race tour next season. 

 

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Signs of Ford's strength and commitment are clearly visible in Don Ness’s shop in Minnesota. The veteran chassis builder has two Mustangs of the future under construction, He has invested considerable time and effort into building a strong Ford for racing. Reportedly, Ness has built 2010 models which are aerodynamically balanced, along with a few other tricks he isn't revealing, even to his closest friends.

The bottom line is when Ness fires up his welder and starts working on the bodies, there’s a special open line to the manufacturer; communication being a key ingredient to the success of any racing effort.

Even though Ness won’t discuss any plans regarding operations in his shop, there are those close to the shop who tell us that Mopar has been very secretive in their preparation of the new Dodge Avenger and that construction is running behind schedule.

As for GM, sources confirmed that Ness was told nothing new would come down the pipe outside of the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac GXP, cars which have a few more years left on the 5 year shelf life of Pro Stock before they become illegal. Adding to that point, the GXP could be the final Pontiac Pro Stocker to ever compete in NHRA.

For all intents and purpose, the domination General Motors has enjoyed since 1995 could be waning. The current uncertainty surrounding the future of General Motors as a viable manufacturer will almost certainly trickle down (only because nothing has been officially announced) in the form of funding cutbacks to the race teams. Even now, there are teams hesitant to move forward with large research and development ventures.

One can only speculate as to what lies down the road for GM. It could be that the beginning of the end occurred when GM Racing Operations Director Fred Simmonds was forced into early retirement.

We are told that car owner Ken Black has already scaled back his operation in terms of personnel and the Warren and Kurt Johnson team have been given the official word that GM wouldn’t return in 2009.

Given the condition of their competitors, Ford could dominate not just in Pro Stock, but could conceivably add to their presence in the Funny Car ranks.

 

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With Simmonds gone and the racing leadership out of the picture, what’s going to happen when the current crop of Funny Car bodies (Chevrolet Impala and Dodge Charger) grow tired?

Who will provide the wind tunnel time and the close interaction with the carbon fiber designers? The answer is likely the individual teams and that association could be slim to none as sponsorship and factory dollars available diminishes.

Likely the Funny Car community could become a Ford versus Toyota neighborhood. With the Force and Tasca operations on one side and anyone in good standing with Alan Johnson using a Toyota on the other.

Toyota remains the only manufacturer with a current interest in Funny Car who could challenge Ford.

Regardless of which manufacturer does what, the reality is that Top Fuel is not the only class hurting for full-time teams in 2009. One leading print magazine called around to the various Pro Stock shops to get a feel of plans for 2009 and was barely able to compile a listing of ten teams expecting to run a full 24-race tour next season.

One team anticipating a 24-race schedule will be the Ford Mustang of Jim Cunningham driven by Erica Enders.

It’s no secret that Ford’s Director of Racing technology Brian Wolfe is a huge drag racing fan and even though he told CompetitionPlus.com that every business decision is made based on dollars and exposure and not passion. Cunningham may be paying to play today and he might be light years behind the competition at the moment, but the influx of Ford interest is sure to change that status as the relationship grows.

Fords involvement will likely grow as well.

 

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Where there’s a will there’s a way and a drag racing fan always finds a way.

Combine Wolfe’s passion, the longstanding support of Ford Racing's Manager Doug Hervey along with the departure of Simmonds, as well as Chrysler’s David Hakim and the playground could be Ford’s.

Pro Stock could fit right in Wolfe’s grand plan, considering his background is heavily fortified with specialty Mustang drag racing.

The Funny Cars will provide Wolfe the return on investment he will need to justify the expense because hands down John Force delivers for the manufacturer whether he’s winning or not. Then there’s Ashley, Hight and Neff, three additional headline grabbers.

Girls and Mustangs bring a hot sell and with Enders joining the fold, it’s yet another home run for Ford.

We'll go out on a limb calling Ashley and Erica the modern day versions of Mustang Sally.

In the final analysis, success is all about selling cars and trucks and the better plan is what made Ford look better in the eyes of congress and the better plan will make them look good in drag racing’s future.

We think that future includes dominance in Pro Stock.

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