CompetitionPlus.com has learned that Dexter Tuttle’s Top Fuel team, although entered in this weekend’s NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, Pa., will not participate. Sponsorship issues with current major backer Vis Viva Energy Drink appears to be the major factor in the decision.

Dan Pikarsky, Sr. VP of Sports and Event Marketing for Attitude Drinks Inc., confirmed the company is going through growing pains at the present but declined to say whether or not the decision was related to non-payment. CompetitionPlus.com has learned that Dexter Tuttle’s Top Fuel team, although entered in this weekend’s NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, Pa., will not participate. Sponsorship issues with current major backer Vis Viva Energy Drink appears to be the major factor in the decision.

Dan Pikarsky, Sr. VP of Sports and Event Marketing for Attitude Drinks Inc., confirmed the company is going through growing pains at the present but declined to say whether or not the decision was related to non-payment.

“We are making great strides within the development of Vis Viva and we don’t have any distributors or business in Pennsylvania,” Pikarsky said. “With us having driver changes and having the season we’ve been having, up and down, we are trying to save money and concentrate on future things.”

Pikarsky remains confident Vis Viva will be back out this season but added that Tuttle Motorsports will return in Indy regardless.

“That’s the plan,” Pikarsky said. “Whether that continues or changes, I don’t know. I can’t predict the future but our plans at present are to make a shot at being on the car in Indy. If it works out, it works out. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.

“Our relationship with Tuttle Motorsports is good. Business is just business.”