[1]
Rumors regarding the future of the Alan Johnson/Al-Anabi Racing (plus all sponsored vehicles for that matter) operation have been swirling in recent days, and a note from an unnamed but very reliable industry insider crossed our desk this afternoon containing some interesting email exchanges. Del Worsham, less than 24 hours removed from winning his first NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series championship, is already without a ride and will assume the crew chief duties of Alexis DeJoria’s Tequila Patron Funny Car next season in the Kalitta Racing stable. Worsham and his father Chuck have teamed with DeJoria in the past as she worked toward her professional debut.
[2]
With the Al-Anabi money again rumored to be cut off indefinitely, Johnson and Dixon are both rumored to be moving to the Morgan Lucas Racing camp next season, where Johnson will tune and Dixon will pilot the Lucas Oil-backed dragster. If true, that would put Shawn Langdon, who has driven for Lucas for the last two seasons, out of a ride. Our source has informed us that the future of Al-Anabi racing across the full spectrum of teams for which they finance may be in trouble, but this information is again unconfirmed.
Kenny Bernstein, one of drag racing’s most iconic drivers and team owners through more than 40 years of involvement with professional drag racing, is rumored to have released his crew and staff at the conclusion of the Auto Club Finals in Pomona on Sunday and has placed his operation for sale, citing a lack of necessary funding to accompany his Copart backing.