Will there be sibling rivalry? No, Chris says, more like a lot of respect. "We're definitely a team. Our goal is to have a two-car Top Fuel team, with Bob Jr. driving one and me driving the other. He's No. 1 in the family, with seven years' experience. Vandergriff Motorsports is actively seeking sponsorship for Bobby first. If we can get lucky and find some extra money, we can put two cars out there. I'd like to get seat time. I'm not ready for 24 national events. If we can go to three or four races by the end of this year, I'd be ecstatic. Then if we can get a marketing partner for 2003, we'd go full tilt. I have a dream of debuting at Indy," he said.

A sponsorship search is on-going, but if Vandergriff has to sit back and stay parked, he will. Already, some of his NASCAR sponsors that are following him from his Lanier days have some interest in getting involved in the fuel team.

A Bob and Chris Vandergriff double marketing deal? "That would be the best way to do it. I have a lot of respect for the Pedregon brothers and what they have done in drag racing. You have three brothers all driving Funny Cars, and they have their sibling rivalries and one leaving on the other at the start, and I think it's good for the sport, especially when you put big brother and little brother up against each other," Chris said.

"I'm hoping I will be a natural at this because right now, it sure feels good."

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