The word floating around the pits is that veteran journeyman Aaron Brooks will be tuning this weekend on the Doug Kalitta-driven MAC Tools Top Fuel dragster at the NHRA Midwest Nationals outside of St. Louis, Mo. He will likely replace Rob Flynn. There's not likely going to be an official statement as many teams prefer not to announce crew chief replacements in mid-season. We'll see if the gossip making its rounds plays out on Friday. 

Could another prominent NASCAR team owner be on the verge of throwing his hat in the ring with drag racing team ownership? That's the banter making its rounds at zMax Dragway during the Carolina Nationals. If this indeed plays out, a technical space race could be in full swing amongst the Pro Stock fraternity. 

The word floating around the pits in Indianapolis is the NHRA Mopar Dodge program will have a NASCAR connection in 2022. Could the branding be on a satellite team? There's nothing official but the rumor seems to be getting steam with each passing event. 

After years of not having big-dollar shootouts for the fuel classes, word has it the NHRA will soon reveal shootouts for the Top Fuel and Funny Car divisions. From what we hear, an eight-car, race-within-a-race Top Fuel show will be unveiled at the 2022 NHRA Gatornationals. Funny Car fans rejoice because we hear a race-within-a-race will return to the NHRA U.S. Nationals in 2022, along with Monday eliminations. Not bad for a sport some say is "circling the drain."

We haven't gotten official confirmation, but we've had enough sources to confirm it's a believable rumor. We are told that a past NHRA champion is expected to return in 2022 with full sponsorship, and race with one of the multi-car teams in existence. We will give you a hint, it's not Top Fuel. 

We are told NHRA is in the final stages of developing a video game to compete with the other forms of motorsports with the intent of creating an I-Racing style simulation presentation. Reportedly NHRA will soon make its announcement in the coming weeks. 

Looks like the NHRA could get a schedule makeover soon. Word has it the Bristol date could end up in Mid-October while Richmond, Seattle and Epping dates are not looking positive due to COVID-19 restrictions. And while Pomona was postponed, there's a growing consensus the traditional season opener in Pomona, could settle into Seattle's place on the schedule during the Western Swing.