GENE WILSON BREAKING THE CONCRETE

MOPAR Pro Stock Rookie Gene Wilson made it known that he had nothing "concrete" for next season, but would have no reservations about joining forces with the new MOPAR sponsored team of Sonoma winner Larry Morgan (photo below).

While it's pretty well known that Wilson will be part of Morgan's new two-car team, the formal announcement will wait for the yearly Vegas SEMA Show to debut the new colors in front of thousands of MOPAR dealers. [Editors Note: Look for more details in DRO's InnerView with Larry Morgan, coming November 8.]

Wilson was defeated by fellow MOPAR driver Greg Stanfield in the second round at Las Vegas.

JERRY GWYNN IN PIN STRIPES?

"We have some things working that we hope to announce at Pomona; if we make that deal Andrew (Cowin) will back as well," said the veteran. Asked about the NY Yankee's sponsorship and participation Gwynn said, "We've got one more year with them."

When asked how much longer he wanted to continue fielding a nitro dragster team he said, "I'm not sure. We've had that discussion whether we want to continue on for four or five years or go down to the (Florida) Keys and put my feet up on the railing and have a drink. Thinking about spending more time with (son) Darrell and the grandbaby... and not be out on the road all the time." If things go well on the sponsorship quest, the team will make it to Tucson for pre-season testing.

Andrew Cowin went out in the semi's to eventual Vegas winner Larry Dixon after having set the top speed of the meet at 328.38 mph.

CHUCK WORSHAM LIKES HIS PONTIACS

"Pontiac is helping us spiritually, I guess you could say, but they've got to get somebody in the (GM) corporation that wants to go Funny Car racing again. We've got so many of these bodies we are going to keep running them next year. I don't think there's any disadvantage to the lack of (wind tunnel) testing. We've got more traction than we can use, we hardly ever run our spoilers all the way up."

When asked about the announced third funny car Chuck said, "Cory Lee will be running a third car without the CSK sponsorship at the Finals." Then he added, "We'll absolutely be running two cars next year and if the funding comes around, we'll run a third."

The CSK-sponsored cars didn't shine at Vegas with Johnny Grey landing 17th and Del Worsham going out in the second round, thanks to a Tony Pedregon holeshot.

JERRY TOLIVER STILL SEARCHING

Toliver was spotted again at Las Vegas and asked if he was coming back. "We've got some prospects, but nothing to announce yet," said the former WWF Funny Car pilot. "I've got seven funny cars, two transporters, a bus; I've got everything we need for two complete teams and moved our shop to Temecula, CA," added the four-time national event winner. Toliver's freon import-export business keeps him plenty busy in the meantime.

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