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The intense interest in the Funny Car ranks these days has several drivers contemplating a perceived slate of easy pickings in drag racing's highest profile class of Top Fuel. Part-time Federal Mogul Dragster driver Gary Ormsby Jr., long rumored to be on John Force's short list of potential drivers should he ever start a Top Fuel team, isn't waiting on the 10-time champ to make a decision. He's ready to make the move right now.

"Guys are retiring, guys are moving to Funny Car, this new TV package is ready to roll, all this tells me the time to go Top Fuel racing has never been better," Ormsby said. "I'm ready to go. I have several different companies looking for deals for me and I'm calling everyone I know to see if there's a job out there for me. I don't want to wait. I just have a feeling this sport is ready to explode and I want to be involved."

Ormsby has certainly proven worthy of a chance. He competed in six races this year in Mike Johnson's Giant Bicycle/Smokes-For-Less blown alcohol dragster, winning national events in Houston and Topeka, Kan., and recording two runner-up finishes. He also had a three-race stint behind the wheel of the Texas Stagecoach injected nitro dragster and another two races in Edgecombe Racing's blown alcohol rail.

"I tried to stay in top shape so that if a ride becomes available I'm ready to go," Ormsby said. "I've never stopped looking for full-time sponsor or a way to move up to the professional ranks. I even took a few squirts in a Top Fuel car earlier this year in Atlanta. The bug has definitely taken a bite.

"It's hard work to find funding, especially at the Federal Mogul level. But I'm very excited about the future of the sport and I'm anxious to grow with a sponsor and a professional team.

"I think the best class to make some noise in right now is Top Fuel. A good start-up team should be able to make most or all of the elimination fields and win some rounds on Sunday. That would certainly get a sponsor some exposure and let everyone know that drag racing pays dividends.

"At the same time, if someone offered me a Funny Car ride tomorrow I'd take it in a heartbeat too. I just want to race. It's in my blood."

Ormsby Jr. is the son of the late Gary Ormsby, who won the Winston Top Fuel title in 1989.

The story is copyright 2000 National Hot Rod Association. It may not be reprinted or retransmitted in any form without the express written permission of NHRA.com.