When Del Worsham announced that he wouldn't field the Blue CSK car in 2008, it opened the door for an up-and-coming tuner to test his value on the drag racing open market. Word comes to us that Chris Cunningham didn't last long as a potential new nitro team already has him locked into a contract for 2008. Reportedly, Cunningham will join veteran tuner Mike Kloeber for a tour with the rumored program of Bob Tasca, III.

One of our sources indicates that former Funny Car racer Johnny Gray could be making a return in the Pro Stock division with a Don Ness-built Dodge Stratus. Could this mean another Larry Morgan engine lease customer? We'll let you know more once we've confirmed details.

Torco's CompetitionPlus.com has learned that after one year that Scotty Cannon, Sr., will be leaving the Top Fuel ranks as a driver to compete in the IHRA's Torco Pro Modified division with an identical Vanishing Point Race Cars 1968 Pontiac to the one driven by his championship winning son. Cannon placed third in the championship standings while driving Evan Knoll's personal Top Fuel dragster. From what we hear, Cannon will remain with the fuel team in a tuning capacity while his vacancy will be filled, from what we hear, from someone already within the Torco-sponsored group of drivers.

A usually reliable source close to Torco's CompetitionPlus.com says the final phase of the Countdown to the Championship will expand from two events to three. That could mean the final phase could begin in Richmond, or could that event and the proposed event in Charlotte flip-flop dates?

The NHRA has made no bones about wanting a national event in the New England area. Today's announcement of Bruton Smith purchasing New Hampshire International Speedway (Loundon, NH) could pave the way for such a thing happening. Sources close to our CircleTrackPlus.com publication have indicated that Smith's purchase is nothing more than a means to get the date reserved for that event for his Las Vegas property.  When pressed whether this provides a potential opportunity for an NHRA national event facility, he merely responded, "I keep my eye on the NHRA."

On the heels of the recent Tommy Johnson, Jr., free agency of 2008, Torco's CompetitionPlus.com has learned of one well-known flopper team that handing out a large number of crew pink slips. Although our source is solid, we've yet to confirm with the team.

Also, Torco's CompetitionPlus.com has learned that a leading Top Alcohol driver may soon be landing a ride with a prominent team. Since Vegas, the rumor mill has been churning full speed. 

Longtime tuner Mike Kloeber may have a gig for 2008 according to multiple sources. The former crew chief for Clay Millican is said to be returning to Funny Car wars with a possible program with a new team. Reportedly, that team is being fielded by Bob Tasca III. The noted alcohol Funny Car driver hasn't confirmed that he will for sure run a nitro car but he tested Monday in Cruz Pedregon's Funny Car fueling speculation. If this program pans out, a source indicated an announcement could come in the next few weeks.

Usually reliable sources report that a
senior NHRA executive has recently purchased a turbocharged Bentley, a vehicle
costing in the six figure area.  Things must be better than we thought in Glendora!

A reliable source has told Torco's CompetitionPlus.com that John Force Racing will field four cars in competition during the NHRA ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals. At this point, we've been unable to confirm this officially with JFR team reps. From what we are hearing, Funny Cars driven by Phil Burkart, Ashley Force and newly licensed Mike Neff will compete on a round-to-round basis, meaning they could cease competition at any moment. We'll bring you more confirmed details once they become available.

Torco's CompetitionPlus.com has learned that a leading female doorslammer driver could soon be making the jump into Top Fuel ranks as a driver next year. Erica Ortiz, the turbocharged Pro Modified driver who has made a name with her all-female crew, is said to be next in line for a driving job on an independent Top Fuel operation. This will be one to watch.