On my October 21The Race Reporters radio show (PowerUpChannel.com), Brown had hinted that he and Ashley were working to bring three-time champion Sampey in as Antron's TF teammate.

"We're helping her here at MAR (Mike Ashley Racing) and I'm helping her, as a family member," Brown revealed on that show. "It could do nothing but positive things for our sport, because when she rode a Pro Stock Bike, I think she was one of the top three out of the whole NHRA community. She's one of the top three drivers.

"To have her in one of the premier classes could only help our sport grow. I think there's some pretty serious stuff on the table right now. If everything goes well, it could be a really good addition to MAR . . . we've been working hard and she's been working hard. If this deal happens, it's going to be something that will be awesome for our whole sport."

I asked Schumacher if Sampey was part of the deal. 

"I haven’t talked to Angelle," Schumacher replied. "I’m always working to the future. We’ll see what happens, sponsor-wise. I haven’t gotten any answer or knowledge there at all. Angelle’s name certainly came up. Some other sponsorship opportunity names came up that I’m currently working on.

"I have to talk to her and see if her interests are consistent with mine."

Brown: "She's working on a few different things. Whatever we can do, personally, we'll do. This sport needs her."

The addition of the 41-time winner to nitro absolutely would help energize fans and media as 2010 starts with the 50th Winternationals at Pomona.

I asked Schumacher if his latest venture should be seen as a vote of confidence in the business of drag racing.

"I would certainly hope so," he responded. "NHRA is going to grow again as soon as the economy gets better, which it is starting to get better. I have confidence in my ability to attract sponsors to the sport."