I don't know about that one, but I think John Hale is committed to IHRA to run NF/C (he's got a new carbon fiber 69 Camaro body for his car).
He will run select events that do not conflict. He is the new driver for Jim Dunn Racing. It's official.
Jeff is one of the good guys. Will be here cheering for him and supporting his sponsors whenever he comes back.
BTW, while you are compiling a One of the Good Guys list, John Hale should also be high on that list - right alongside Jeff Arend.
I suspected something was up when I saw that Jeff was going to be part of Hawley's school this year, on LinkedIn I believe.
Pretty sure Jeff has worked for Hawley for a while.
EDIT: Just read the CompPlus interview, and he has worked for Hawley since March.