The other shoe eventually fell today for Larry Dixon. 

Dixon, who returned to full-time NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series competition in 2015 with Bob Vandergriff Racing, was officially released as a team driver today. 

The dragster Dixon drove last season will now be occupied by Leah Pritchett. 

The resourceful Dixon isn't ready to slame the door shut on drag racing and seeks a variety of opportunities including returning to the Top Fuel cockpit or team management or media positions similar to his past ESPN and NHRA announcing duties.
 
“I am anxious to get back out on the NHRA Mello Yello drag racing tour,” explained Dixon. “I want to thank Bob for the opportunity to get back to full-time racing, and we had a good season with fourth in the points. It felt good to show I can still be relevant behind the wheel. I wish Mike (Guger, crew chief) and the whole crew good luck in 2016.  Now, I know the timing's not the best this late into the offseason, but I would like to do whatever it takes to get back on the circuit, whether it’s driving, consulting or being a member of the media again.”
 
Dixon, a three-time NHRA champion, didn't exactly have a cakewalk of a season en route to a fourth place finish. In March, he suffered a devasting crash that left him with  a fractured T-4 and 5 vertebrae in his (upper) back as well as a left knee bone contusion
 
The 62-time NHRA winner never missed a race and went on to record six final round appearances.
 
“I was able to walk away from the crash at Gainesville but, to be honest, I was banged up pretty good,” said Dixon, who became a guest on television shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, Fox & Friends and CNN Morning News after the crash. “I would have gotten back in the car the next day if we had a backup chassis. But, despite the injuries, I was able to not miss a race. That’s how I was raised.”
 
“I’m finally 100 percent healed now and was excited about a championship run in 2016. I felt pretty good by October and Dr. (Terry) Trammell at Ortho Indy gave me the green light for a more aggressive workout program this off season.”