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. 

And no, this isn't an April Fools joke either. Our sources are telling us that chances are that the NHRA event in Pomona might not be a go until deep in the summer. With this said, there's significant banter amongst our sources close to the NHRA suggesting the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Ca., will be run during the Western Swing if it runs at all. It all makes sense except for one part - keeping the Winternationals branding. 
 

Multiple reliable sources have told CompetitionPlus.com, that the NHRA Winternationals, scheduled to get underway in a couple of weeks, has been postponed to a later date in the year. Reportedly , the Vegas Four-Wide is expected to go forward without a hitch. We are told the NHRA still plans to have 22-events as scheduled. We are told an announcement is coming on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. 

Word out of Sydney Dragway is that long-serving General Manager Peter Beaumont has departed the venue following a board meeting earlier this week.