Torco’s Competitionplus.com has
heard from reliable sources, and has 
confirmed with those involved, that a
total of four race teams were 
in the mix for the sponsorship from Monsters,
a product of Hansens 
that is distributed exclusively on a national basis by
none other 
than Anheuser-Busch.  Included n the chase were Don Schumacher
Racing 
(either as a replacement sponsor for the departing Matco Tools or
for 

Torco's CompetitionPlus.com has
learned from reliable sources that Don Schumacher Racing has parted ways with
Matco Tools as a major sponsor for 2007. The company will likely remain with DSR
as an associate sponsor but that is not final.

Don Schumacher confirmed that he was unable to reach an agreement
that would keep the Whit Bazemore Funny Car running. With that said, the writing
may be on the way for Bazemore's employment at DSR.

Expect the official announcement to come some time today.

He’s well-known throughout the
motorsports community.  He holds the unique distinction of being the only race
team owner to have collected wins in each of Americas’ three major motorsports
series – NHRA drag racing, NASCAR and IndyCar racing.

In a press conference on Friday,
Valvoline announced a marketing partnership with Don Schumacher Racing which
will put the company's logo on all DSR entries. Valvoline has also renewed the
sponsorship of David Powers Motorsports Top Fuel team and driver Rod Fuller. Ron
Krisher's program will likewise be intact for next season.

Valvoline's sportsman programs will remain intact with Bob
Newberry, Jay and Shelly Payne, Sherman Adcock, Jr., Dan Fletcher, Tony Fuller,
David Tatum, Jimmy Ayers and Bernie Cunningham.

Shirley Muldowney, a three-time
NHRA Top Fuel champion and drag racing icon, has certainly earned the right to
speak her mind on the state of drag racing. She admits she's done her best to be
supportive of the sport and those who make the decisions, but the NHRA's latest
program which basically cuts the championship battle down to two races at the
end of the season has her up on the tire.

Live Nation had the rights to first
refusal of Bill Bader's 25% ownership in the company. All that Knoll needed to
complete that purchase was the blessing of Live Nation and it came today.

"I want to do business with IHRA and Live Nation. After what has
happened this week, there is no doubt the IHRA has the potential to be the
hottest property in drag racing. I'm certainly going to do my part to ensure
that comes to pass.”