Could Dean Skuza have a driving gig this season? Today, the popular pilot from Ohio was in Phoenix making some laps for Mike Ashley who returned to New York to tend to the demands of his fast-growing Lend-America mortgage banking firm. We were unable to obtain confirmation from anyone in Ashley's camp, but we are hearing that Skuza's test driving could extend beyond this weekend's outing.

Lindsey Wood has aspirations beyond her recent licensing in the Darien & Meadows Top Alcohol Dragster and it isn't necessarily Top Fuel either.Multiple sources say the Super Comp standout has made it known that she'd love to be a Pro Stock driver. From what we are hearing, she has put in some time at the Roy Hill Drag Racing School learning the ropes of driving a Pro Stocker.

One of our sources close to the situation tells us that Coastal Plains Dragway will soon be announcing a defection from NHRA sanction to IHRA.

The hottest rumor floating around the Pro Modified community is that the 2007 Pro Modified Mustangs and GTOs to be run this season will be allowed to compete in 2008 despite the rule limiting body styles to those not Pro Stock legal. Apparently the reasoning is said to be a dual-element wing.

In this world of strategic alliances, word has it that veteran chassis builder Jerry Haas and Enders Racing will soon be making a significant announcement.

Sources have indicated that former NHRA Pro Stock car, Pro Stock Truck and Pro Modified standout Brad Jeter will return to the professional ranks in 2007. Reportedly, the Greenville, SC-based driver has maintained his competitive edge by racing in the sportsman ranks but will drive the former Jason Collins Mustang for an unnamed owner within the IHRA Torco's CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock ranks.

Torco’s Competitionplus.com has heard from several sources that Don Prudhomme may have already signed, or is on the brink of signing a major sponsorship agreement with SkyTel for two-time POWERade Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon.  Our sources report that Dixon’s car and rig are painted bright orange at present, but no corporate logos have been applied.  The team will reportedly test in Phoenix in a couple of weeks, skipping the initial testing in Las Vegas this coming weekend.

From what we are hearing, Cagnazzi Pro Stock driver Tom Lee will not be driving a third team car at the beginning of the season. Lee replaced Erica Enders last season as the driver on the SLAMMERS entry. He will remain with the team as a test driver and will remain on the crew.

Torco’s Competitionplus.com is hearing that Ohio Pro Stock veteran Mark
“Cowboy” Pawuk may sit out the 2007  NHRA season.  Pawuk has competed for 21
straight years, and is reportedly considering sitting out due to the
advancing years of his  parents, the increasing after school activities of
his two kids, and  the belief that he needs to spend more time with Empaco
Equipment Corporation, his service station refurbishment operation.

A source close to Bob Vandergriff, Jr.'s UPS Top Fueler has revealed the team has added noted tuner Larry Meyer to join Jim Dupuy. From what we are hearing, the addition has already produced performance gains.