NHRA DRIVERS AND CREWS NEWS:

SCOTTY CANNON/OAKLEY
Agent 1320 hears that tuner extraordinaire Wes Cerny will be calling the shots for the Oakley-backed Scotty Cannon team. Rumor has it that team owner Jim Janard convinced Cerny to make the move but had to get off the hip for a considerable sum to get the job done. The Agent's source says that it could be a three year deal and will include a second car to be driven by Scotty Cannon's son, Scott. The second car would be a test car but the team would still try to qualify it at the races.

TOMMY JOHNSON/PRUDHOMME
Tommy Johnson Jr. signed with the Don Prudhomme team instead of driving for Chuck Etchells, for whom he was originally was to drive. But there is more to the story than is being told. T.J. Jr took the ride with Prudhomme only because he didn't have a contract with the Etchells team. He initially refused the Prudhomme offer as he had earlier in year when he was approached by the Schumacher team to drive their dragster because he had committed to the Hofmann team.

NEW CARS FOR THE "TEACH"
Despite losing his NEC sponsorship, look for Gary Densham to be on the circuit next year. The Agent has been told that Densham will have two new cars to start the 2001 season and will be racing at Pomona and beyond. He is, however, looking for additional sponsorship. (Who isn't?)

LAPE GOING NHRA TOO?

It has been confirmed from several sources that former IHRA Alky Funny World champ Von Smith (photo above) is going to take his act over to NHRA but the Agent recently heard that IHRA stalwart "Gentleman" Jim Lape may make a few laps at NHRA National Events. Stay tuned.