Brooks will join Johnson/Al-Anabi team

Another piece of the Alan Johnson/Al-Anabi Racing puzzle has fallen into place as Aaron Brooks, crew chief of Roger Burgess' R2B2 Racing Funny Car, has announced that he will leave that team at the end of September to join the renowned Top Fuel tuner's new two-car team, which will debut in 2009. Additionally, Rob Centorbi, Brooks' assistant, will join him on Johnson's team.

Brooks and R2B2 driver Frank Hawley have competed in just six of the first 19 races but earned a No. 1 qualifying position at last weekend's NHRA Carolinas Nationals in Charlotte and were runner-up in Reading last month.

Brooks is acknowledged as one of the sport's most prominent young tuners of nitromethane-fuel Funny Cars.

"While this is a fantastic opportunity for Aaron and Rob to learn under a legend, we are saddened to see them leave," said Burgess. "I wish them both the best of luck."

Drivers for the team's Top Fuel and Funny Car rides have not been announced, but candidates are being interviewed, according to sources.