Speculation surrounding Jack Beckman's return to the fuel ranks has suggested it
will be in a Top Fuel dragster. What has not been publicized is that Beckman
will be making a few test laps behind the wheel of the DSR Funny Car driven by
Whit Bazemore during the Indy session next week. Bazemore is unsigned for next
season and this scenario ought to have the rumor mill jumping.

Multiple sources have confirmed that Scott Kalitta will have his Funny Car
cloaked in a Toyota shell during the upcoming Indy test session. We have
attempted to contact Kalitta throughout the morning and will have confirmation
or denial by this afternoon.

The rumors are flying and a few local newspapers in the Kansas City area have
reported the news concerning a major manufacturer in drag racing. Here's a link
to the article - Weld Wheels.

Look for Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson to debut a new, lighter Dodge Stratus
body with an all-new paint scheme designed by John Bell http://www.johnbellstudio.com/ at the
U.S. Nationals in Indy on Friday, September 1, for the first qualifying
session.

Should we expect something different from Gilbertson? Of course
we should. It will be very interesting to see what the Terminator Motorsports
team comes up with.

Has Kenny Koretsky sold the Top Fuel team he purchased last season? If rumors
pan out, that's exactly what has happened. Koretsky reportedly has had offers,
including a one from a prominent team looking to add a second car. However, our
sources tell us that Koretsky and driver Clay Millican were both in Michigan
yesterday finalizing a deal with the prospective new owner. Ownership is
expected to change prior to the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. Koretsky
will remain involved in the program if the new deal pans out.

Plans are in the works for a memorial drag race honoring Ronnie Sox. The
proposed date is October 19, 2006 and it will be held at Roxboro Dragway in
Roxboro, North Carolina. Reportedly, the event is sponsored by the East Coast
Drag Times Hall of Fame who hosts their annual banquet the weekend following the
event. Proceeds from the race are destined for the Ronnie Sox Foundation. 

Apparently Evan Knoll has a larger plan in store for his Knoll Gas - Torco
Race Fuels and it focuses on the future of drag racing. Knoll is rumored to be
closing on 270 acres of land in mid-Ohio on which he plans to build a
state-of-the-art drag strip, half-mile asphalt oval and a championship
motorcross track. The increased number of tracks closing each year is what has
inspired this decision. Along with the track, Knoll plans to install more
propane facilites as well as petroleum terminals for his gas refinery
businesses.