Word has floated our way that says low-buck favorite and recent Strange Throwback Showdown 2 champion Jeff Diehl has inked enough sponsorship to the point we could very well see he and wife Leeza at more races, and possibly a full schedule. We are told an official announcement is planned for Friday at the NHRA Winternationals. 

While the rumor is floating around the Mopar Hemi Shootout is history and will not be contested this season at the NHRA U.S. Nationals, we are told this is far from being set in stone.

Our sources close to the situation suggest the final answer will come at the NHRA Gatornationals in March. 

The rumored raise for the NHRA’s nitro classes at the expense of Pro Stock is said to be $7500  for the No. 17 and No. 18 qualifiers, a $3000 increase from years prior. Expect an announcement to the teams soon.

CompetitionPlus.com has learned the Good Vibrations March Meet live feed, a pay-per-view online broadcast, will have a familiar voice bringing the action. We are told Mike Dunn will be involved in the telecast for the event.

Looks like the silly season is getting underway. The word on the street suggests that veteran tuner Brian Corradi is headed over to Team Force where he will tune one of the Funny Cars, likely the Advance Auto Parts entry driven by Courtney Force. Apparently, long time associate Mark Oswald is staying put. Stay tuned, this could be the first of many story items coming out today.

The word on the street, and those inside of John Force Racing have hinted, a second Top Fuel dragster is forthcoming. The closest to an official statement appeared in a USA Today add. However, we're here to tell you this won't be the only news forthcoming from the Yorba Linda, ca.-based team. Stay tuned. 

NHRA apparently has distributed a letter to their Pro Stock teams informing them of changes to their division for 2018. The factory hot rods will still race 24 races, but in nine of those events, the traditional 16-car ladder will reduce to 8-car fields. Right now, our understanding is that Houston, Topeka, Epping, Englishtown, Bristol, Denver, Sonoma, Seattle and Brainerd will run the abbreviated fields.