Are you ready for some nitro?

From far left, John Force, Robert Hight, Ashley Force Hood and Antron Brown talk to the media during Wednesday's Winternationals press luncheon.

Got a nitro fix?
The NHRA will satisfy your need, as the 2009 season officially kicks off around 2 p.m. when the first of the Pro Stock cars roll through the box at the 49th Kragen Winternationals.
And it comes none too soon for the competitors. I attended Wednesday's press luncheon, which included Top Fuel sophomore Antron Brown, and the John Force Racing trio of Ashley Force Hood (notice the new name, she's married now), Robert Hight and the king himself, John Force, who unveiled Castrol's new look that will include a gold Ford Mustang. And in typical Force pattern, he envoked Elton John and President Barack Obama.
Here's some of the quotes:
Antron Brown: I never met a guy like (new team owner Mike Ashley), but he's come in and boosted our spirits. It's going to be a great year and hopefully we can make a run at the championship. "
Ashley Force Hood: We had a great off-season. We had the wedding, but we still had racing on our brain. I think what's great for us is that we are a tight group and we have everybody back. It's going to be an advantage, and hopefully we can build on what we accomplished last year and pick up where we left off."
Robert Hight: It's exciting to begin the season. We're here at Pomona, and we've done very well here (in the past). Testing went nice and smooth. I think we have a shot at this championship and that's our goal - to put John Force Racing back where they belong."

John Force has the golden touch while he stands in front of his new Castrol Ford Mustang.

John Force: I'm back where I should be. I've got my weight back, and I'm in the fighting mode. But there's a lot of tough kids we have to beat. I'm just excited about my new colors. Castrol takes the credit, but they really came from Elton John, who I saw in Las Vegas. I met him, and he really talked about change. This is not an Obama plug, but you have to change if you want to adapt. Elton John always said, 'When the world gets at its lowest, at least you know where you stand.' It's like I say with (crew chief Austin Coil) when I ask him about the tune up, and he says, 'We're screwed.' He wonders why I'm happy, and I tell him, 'Well, at least I know where we stand.'"