Don't expect Andrew Cowin to be using the Serta Sheep line anymore. The second-generation Aussie driver was relieved of his duties by team owner Scott Griffin following the IHRA season-ending event in Rockingham. If what we've been told by reliable sources is true, a full-time driver on the NHRA tour will drive Griffin's car in the non-conflicting events.
Those that we asked close to ESPN2 are keeping quiet, but the reliable
word that we are hearing is that former Indy 500 announcer turned drag
racing commentator Paul Page will return for all 23 NHRA races in 2007.
An unsubstantiated rumor suggests the Darien & Meadows ride could be open next season. Sources indicate that John Force has yet to renew for daughter Ashley for 2007.
The word floating around the Top Fuel pits in Las Vegas suggests the Carrier Brother, Andy and Mark, will team with an existing one-car operation for 2007. We approached the Carrier Brothers who declined comment on the matter.
The popular question floating around in some circles is which former champion may be returning in 2007 with a top-notch Top Fuel dragster ride. This one may not be among the usual suspects but will be entertaining nonetheless.
From what we are hearing, the NHRA Lucas Oil divisions that has seven events are being asked to volunteer at least two tracks to drop the alcohol classes. Reportedly, this is to increase the profit margin of these events.
Tony Gillig may be done after this season's championship run in the
Torco's CompetitionPlus.com Pro Stock division. Gillig's team owner Tim
Huston is said to be calling it quits after Rokcingham. The multi-time
national event winner is going to return to the family business, our
sources said.
A strong source tells Torco's CompetitionPlus.com that longtime nitro tuner Dan Olson will soon be named to fill the void left by Ray Alley as NHRA nitro liaison.
The hottest rumor floating around the pits at Virginia Motorsports Park is that longtime Ron Krisher crewman Tim Freeman left the team prior to the event and is reportedly headed over to the Allen Johnson - Don Schumacher team. That departure was said to have been precipitated by the planned hiring of Bob Glidden. A source close to the Glidden camp says that isn't going to happen. Our source likewise said Glidden was contact and serious discussions transpired - but the end result is Glidden will likely stay at home and listen to the races via the Internet. But...you never know.
The rumor circulating Virginia Motorsports Park is that Funny Car driver Frankie Pedregon has acquired enough backng to compete in Las Vegas and Pomona. He is reportedly planning to drive the flopper he purchased from John Lawson. What is not widely known is that Wayne Dupuy will be the tuner.
