Prudhomme Racing releases Dixon

In a move that apparently clears the path for Larry Dixon to drive Alan Johnson's Al-Anabi Top Fueler in 2009, Don Prudhomme Racing has announced that Dixon has bought out the remainder of his employment contract from Don Prudhomme Racing.

Dixon's name has been at the top of the list of drivers reportedly in the running for the coveted seat in the new dragster tuned by the world championship crew chief, but he still had a year on his contract with Prudhomme, for whom he has driven since 1995.

The move also could push Spencer Massey into the cockpit of Prudhomme's dragster for 2009. Earlier this year, Massey, a national-event-winning driver in the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster ranks, signed a developmental driver contract with Prudhomme for a proposed Top Fuel ride in 2010. The team has said that future details of its 2009 plans will be announced shortly.