Word has it a prominent team will soon abandon the canopy cockpit dragster in favor of a conventional version. We are told the extra weight of the design has made a difference in the performance and a major reason for the switch. The rumors suggest it could be as early as Topeka weekend, or by Norwalk. Reportedly the conversion is already underway.

Word has it, the next of the new Mustang bodies will debut during this weekend's NHRA Virginia Nationals. We are told that Tim Wilkerson, once a teammate to Bob Tasca III, will reveal a new Blue Oval body just like the one Tasca premiered in Pomona.

We are told a part-time major sponsor for a Top Fuel team has reportedly shifted their marketing budget and will step away from a top ten dragster to brand their business on the side of a Pro Stocker. This one should be interesting.

Word has it there are two rather significant personnel changes soon to come to light in the nitro ranks. We are told a member of a former Ford team is headed to a current Ford team to serve in a crew chief capacity. Additionally we are told this train will also run in the opposite direction. It might be a prime example of one good turn deserves another. Expect announcements to be released this week. 

Last fall, Pro Modified icon Rickie Smith proclaimed his days as a nitrous racer were done. Word comes to us another nitrous racer will likely run his final race with the power adder. We are told Khalid alBalooshi will take delivery of a turbocharged Camaro following the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. 

Could there be a Glidden back in Pro Stock? Word has it that Mountain Motor Pro Stock racer Brad Weddle will have Billy Glidden calling the shots as crew chief. We are told the first race of this alliance will be in Charlotte for this weekend's NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals. 

There is a lot of groundswell of popularity surrounding the newest NHRA exhibition category. 

Chris Payne, owner of Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kan, said he will fight to keep his track in Topeka. We are told regardless of what transpires in the next couple of months in this fight, the NHRA national event scheduled for June will go on as planned.