Torco’s Competitionplus.com has heard from reliable sources, and has 
confirmed with those involved, that a total of four race teams were 
in the mix for the sponsorship from Monsters, a product of Hansens 
that is distributed exclusively on a national basis by none other 
than Anheuser-Busch.  Included n the chase were Don Schumacher Racing 
(either as a replacement sponsor for the departing Matco Tools or for 
yet another Funny Car), Kalitta Motorsports (with some involvement 
from the now sidelined Jerry Tolliver, who had some involvement in 
the Kalitta Toyota program) and Don Prudhomme Racing.  The consensus 
of opinion is that Bernstein’s obvious connection to A-B through the 
Budweiser brand may have played a prominent role in the decision making.

In related Bernstein “news,” a significant number of PRO members, including some Board members, were less than pleased to find out their elected president had been in on the discussions with NHRA regarding the new points system and failed to alert them.  As one Board member said, requesting anonymity,  “If you can’t trust your 
fellow Board members, you shouldn’t be the leader.  Why should I waste my time working for the organization when stuff like this is going on?”