With Federal Mogul seemingly locked in, the Sportsman and divisional races should be in good shape, but unless NHRA can sign and announce a title rights sponsor for the 2002 season very soon, the affects could be very damaging and far ranging, especially for the professional teams, sponsors and tracks. Perhaps the most immediate concern would be how the points fund would be funded and by whom.

NHRA president Tom Compton is very confident that they will find a replacement soon and said that the phone is ringing at NHRA headquarters with offers from potential sponsors. In the teleconference he went on to say that they are being so careful about who they choose to be their next partner that they aren't returning all of the calls that they're receiving from potential sponsors.

Despite the rosy outlook from NHRA (or is it just rose-colored glasses?) it would appear that with the slowdown in the worldwide economy, it might be difficult to replace a company like RJ Reynolds. It is not known how much money RJR has put into NHRA drag racing over the last 27 years but reports have RJR putting over $112 million into the Winston Cup points funds alone since 1971. That figure doesn't include all of the behind the scenes support to tracks, public relations programs and the vast network of R. J. Reynolds-controlled public billboards that have been used over the last three decades to promote Winston Drag Racing.

Top Fuel racer Gary Scelzi and Pro Stock bike racer Angelle Savoie will also be looking for sponsors next season.

Whatever the resolution and whomever NHRA does get to eventually replace RJR's Winston brand, it would be unrealistic to expect the same level of commitment from the new sponsor. Aside from the purse money put up by Winston, they also sponsored professional and sportsman teams, supplied public relations personnel and material and at one time spread a lot of money around to the tracks for improvements, up to and including building press rooms.

Whomever NHRA "selects" to replace RJR/Winston is going to have some large shoes to fill.

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