Multiple sources have indicated that NHRA Funny Car driver Mike Ashley will make his long-awaited announcement regarding his future in the class during the first day of qualifying in Pomona. The announcement is expected to detail his departure from Don Schumacher Racing, who has managed the team since July. The popular rumor is that Ashley will field his own team with backing from Evan Knoll and Knoll will dissolve his ownership of the Funny Car team.

This parting of ways can be traced back to a disagreement that transpired between Knoll and Ashley with Schumacher in Las Vegas.