Image courtesy NHRA/National Dragster

Three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon announced on Friday that he has parted ways with the Rapisarda Autosport International team to concentrate on securing the funding needed to field his own racing operation for 2014. Dixon, 46, the second winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history with 62 national event wins to his credit, along with series championships in 2002, 2003, and 2010, joined the part-time Rapisarda team in January, teaming with champion crew chief Lee Beard in an effort that many believed could become a championship threat.

Image courtesy dragphotos.com.au

“I want to thank Santo Rapisarda and the entire Rapisarda Autosport International team for their efforts this year,” said Dixon, who began in the sport as a mechanic before taking over Don Prudhomme’s seat in the Miller Genuine Draft Top Fuel car in 1995. “However, I have decided to concentrate on 2014 now and work to be ready to go when the season opens in Pomona. I wish the Rapisarda family all the best in its future racing endeavors.”

Dixon and Beard began work immediately to develop a team capable of winning races and competing for a spot in the exclusive Countdown to the Championship. In March, Dixon set a new Australian quarter-mile elapsed time record in his Rapisarda dragster at 4.50 seconds, but just over a month later, Beard departed to join Steve Torrence’s full-time operation.

“We were improving our performance race to race early on,” said Dixon. “But, when Lee departed, we still needed help on the tuning side. Richard Hogan was brought in when he became available. Unfortunately, we didn’t get enough time with him. After that, the team has decided to scale back and we no longer share the same long term goal.”

Dixon, who has been out of a full-time ride since leaving the Al-Anabi team in 2011, plans to coordinate his new racing program in the latter half of 2013 to be ready for 2014.

“I have been working in a variety of areas to put a team in place for the upcoming season,” said Dixon. “I believe we can put a championship effort on track next year. We are continuing to gather information and meet with various people and companies to assist us that have the same vision. I’m anxious to work full-time on this project.”