If there's one class in the NHRA POWERade lineup that presents the most tantalizing scenarios, it's clearly Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Simply stated, only 182 points separate the standings leader, Geno Scali, and the fifth-place rider, Reggie Showers. Throw in the proven winning capability of sixth-place rider Craig Treble, and Columbus winner Fred Collis, currently seventh, and you can detect a championship stretch drive laced with uncertainties.

Add to the drama a sponsorship vacuum hovering over the two-bike team of Angelle Savoie and Antron Brown. A new deal may be announced within days but nothing has been finalized yet. Should the team fail to secure a deal, they have adamantly maintained they wouldn't be in Denver, the next national event, and that would almost certainly take two title-contending riders out of the mix.

With or without the three-time champion and her cousin-in-law remaining on the tour, Geno Scali looms large as a rider on a mission. His recent win in St. Louis gave him the points lead for the second time this season, proving he has all the tools to win his first championship. Some starting line stumbles have cost him several round victories and at least one national event win, but his excellent 17-5 round record shows he's the real deal heading into the second half.

	Savoie

Shawn Gann, the winner in Englishtown, is riding on the cusp of championship potential. When he's good, he's very good, but early-round losses in Gainesville, Houston, Chicago and Columbus have kept him from putting real pressure on the two riders -- Savoie and Scali -- who have each led the points this season. More consistency in the final eight bike events could move him into the Red Zone for the title.

Meanwhile, Reggie Showers finds himself at the identical crossroad, edging ever closer to becoming part of a program that wins races and challenges for the championship. His tuner, George Bryce, knows the game and brings a wealth of experience to the PDI Suzuki team. It's a safe bet there's a championship in his tea leaves, but perhaps not in '03. He could, however, play a huge part in the season's outcome by beating riders battling for the PSB crown.

Eight events remain, which equates to nearly 1000 available points. With several racers already national event winners, others close to a breakthrough victory, and at least two headliners waiting for a sponsorship commitment to extend their season, the Pro Stock Bikes present a wide sweep of possible outcomes. And it might take until November to settle the issue.

Bill Stephens covers the NHRA for ESPN and ESPN.com.