What if Coca-Cola officials were to decide in mid-season they were going to switch brands from the current POWERade title sponsorship to their energy drink brand – Full Throttle? Would the NHRA follow a similar pathway as NASCAR and grandfather existing sponsorships to the point a sponsor would be locked in to the current program and unable to switch or lose their placement? Or, would prospective companies have to go to court ala ATT to gain the opportunity?

This scenario could open another reality. If this unsubstantiated rumor comes to fruition, could Gatorade be free to explore race team sponsorship now?