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McMillen will rely on the championship tuning abilities of veteran Les Mellows while driving duties will rest on the shoulders of Paul Noakes. Both Mellows and Noakes reside in Ontario. "Last season I drove both the Top Fuel and Funny Car," McMillen explained. "Last season the Top Fuel car was owned by Foley and Lewis and this season it will be out of the Hoosier Thunder stable. We're excited about having two top professional cars on our team. I'm confident that Les and Paul can take that car to the next level and represent Amalie and all of our associate sponsors well." McMillen drove the Amalie Oil InstiGator for seven seasons with a career best third place finish in 2004. The winner's circle eluded McMillen until last season, when he captured his first Iron Man behind the wheel of his Top Fuel Dragster. "It's a hard decision to take yourself out of the drivers seat," McMillen said. "But Amalie deserves the best on both of these cars. I can't think of anything that would make me happier than to have both cars in the winner's circle before the season is over." Continue reading "McMillen makes move to put Amalie Oil InstiGator in winner's circle" » February 22, 2008Here I am - King of Horsepower!You have to love this new commercial for the season opening Knoll Gas Nitro Jam event. The Amalie Oil Texas Nationals is getting very close - about 5 weeks until the smell of nitro and VHT in the morning... I digress... The best part about the new commercial? The opening shot features the Gator himself, T-Mac strapped in to his 330MPH rocket ship. Plus the voice over is great - "Here I am - king of horsepower. Here I am maker of speed. I AM horsepower and this is my home." December 4, 2007Head for a Cure Fundraising
"Kimberley lost a friend last year to Cancer," her mother Brenda said. "This effected her to a great extent. She came to me in the middle of October and asked if she could do this and of course I said yes, but thinking that maybe she would just forget about it in a couple of days. Needless to say, she was very persistent." Kimberley will join another famous Albertan named Kim. Kim Reeves, track owner of the Castro l Raceway in Edmonton, shaved her head at a public auction a few years ago to raise donations for the Cancer Society. October 5, 2007McMillen rattles into 10th provisional spot
"Tenth doesn't really mean anything tonight," McMillen said after his inaugural qualifying attempt in NHRA's Top Fuel class. "We're happy to be in tenth right now, but if we're still in this position after tomorrow's qualifying I'll be a lot happier." McMillen and Bobby Lagana would be the first pair of Top Fuel cars attempting to navigate what appeared to be a tricky quarter mile. "We watched the Funny Cars go right out in front of us with limited success," McMillen added. "As it turns out we under-powered the track a little and that caused all of our tire shake. The track had a lot more bite than a lot of us gave it credit for." Continue reading "McMillen rattles into 10th provisional spot" » August 19, 2007McMillen partners with Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance to raise awareness
TSC is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in many different organs, primarily in the brain, eyes, heart, kidney, skin and lungs. TSC affects at least two children born every day. Current estimates place TSC-affected births at one in 6,000, approximately 50,000 in the US, with nearly 1 million people worldwide. Currently there is no cure. McMillen became aware of TSC after hearing the story of Stone Wendel, the 10-year-old son of George and Becky Wendel. "I remember speaking with George not too long ago," McMillen said. "He shared with me what the last 10 years have been like with Stone. Then, I remembered what it was like when I lost my son Jason. While Jason didn't have TSC, we were constantly searching for answers and we often felt helpless. Thanks to groups like the TS Alliance, support and information is readily available when families need it most." Continue reading "McMillen partners with Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance to raise awareness" » June 28, 2007InstiGator to appear at Pinks All OutTerry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car will be at the Milan Dragway Saturday June 30 for the Pinks: All Out event. There is no truth to the rumor that McMillen's 3,500 horse powered Hemi will participate in the event. "The Pinks: All Out series on SPEED has been great for the sport of drag racing," McMillen said. We're excited about being a small part of the show." The appearance will be to cross promote the Suzuki Motor City Nationals taking place August 24-26 at the Milan Dragway, the eighth stop on the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam drag racing series. May 1, 2007Terry says thank you...Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car and Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel driver, Terry McMillen wanted to thank everyone for the prayers, messages and calls he has received regarding his most recent eye surgery. This marks the third surgery Terry has undergone to correct damage to his eye caused by Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with Moisture Loc product. Rhonda says that Terry is resting and in a little pain. According to eye witnesses (Rhonda), Terry appears to have gone through 10 rounds of heavy weight action with Mike Tyson. Thankfully he stopped most of the blows with his face. All kidding aside, Terry's eyes are a bit bruised and swollen. He is expected to recover in time for several testing sessions with the Amalie Oil Funny Car and a Torco Pro Nitro Top Fuel session with Foley later this month in preparation for the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals in Tulsa. Terry wanted to make sure everyone knew that he appreciates the support - while his crew took the opportunity to give a light-hearted joke with this post. Get well Terry. April 28, 2007Coming to a town near you...You might want to listen just a little closer to the radio these days. You could be one of the luckier listeners that gets a chance to come to the Nitro Pit Party in Terry McMillen's pits. All through the year, Terry will be making guest appearances on radio shows, some lucky listeners will win tickets to the race. Some of the real lucky listeners get a tour of his Torco Nitro Top Fuel Pits and a tour of the Amalie Oil InstiGator pits. After the tours, you'll get a chance to eat lunch with Terry and his crew and a chance to win one of two Freedom Grills. How's that for up close an personal. Here's and interview with Terry and Fox 102's Mike Scott for the Rockingham race.
April 15, 2007McMillen Interviewed on Fox 29 San AntonioHere's a short outtake of Terry talking with Chuck Miketinac of KABB-TV, Fox 29 in San Antonio. Before the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals, presented by NAPA, Chuck wanted to know what it was like to drive a Top Fuel Dragster. In this clip Terry shares how busy it can be in the car and at the same time, how everything goes in slow motion. Continue reading "McMillen Interviewed on Fox 29 San Antonio" » March 29, 2007InstiGator Shows Off in San Antonio
"This is always one of my most favorite races of the year," McMillen said. The Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team headed into the San Antonio area a week earlier to make appearances at area NAPA stores. "We gave our InstiGator car a total makeover, from inside out, so we wanted to get there early and show it off a little. Everyone seemed to love the new look." December 5, 2006Mr. Gator - A School ReportWhen Heather Mills had a school report due, she could only think of one person to do her report about. "Mr. Gator" - Grandpa or Terry McMillen as most of us know him by. While Heather may not be a blood relative to McMillen, Terry doesn't hesitate to consider the Mills family as part of his own. Heather's father Richard has always been a part of our extended family," McMillen explained. "It's an honor for me and I was really impressed when I received this report from Heather's school work. September 5, 2006GO Graphix Joins Hoosier Thunder MotorsportsIn an announcement made today, Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, welcomed GO Graphix to the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports family of partners. GO Graphix, a division of Markley Enterprise, entered a multi-year associate agreement with McMillen's team. Continue reading "GO Graphix Joins Hoosier Thunder Motorsports" » December 13, 2005McMillen Honored With IHRA's Most Prestigious AwardGreensboro, N.C. - Terry McMillen, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owner and driver of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car and the Knoll Gas Motorsports LukOil Top Fuel Dragster, was honored with the "Sportsman of the Year Award" presented by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) at their annual awards banquet held this past weekend. The IHRA considers the "Sportsman of the Year" award their 'Most Prestigious Award'. McMillen joins past recipients; Clay Millican, Mark Horton, John "Doc" Sipple, Bruce Litton and Frank Teague along with longtime friends Quain Stott and Mark Thomas. Terry McMillen - IHRA's 2005 Sportsman of the YearMcMillen, known for his quick wit and colorful interviews, was caught off-guard as the announcement was made at the awards ceremony. "It was truly a surprise and a great honor," McMillen commented afterwards. "I really didn't know what to say or where to begin. Being on that stage with all of the past winners was humbling."
While McMillen may not have been 100% healthy going into the IHRA Awards Banquet, it didn't stop the friendly banter that goes on between rival drivers. McMillen wore his sunglasses to the evening event to prevent light from aggravating his eye. During his acceptance speech, 3-time IHRA Funny Champion, Rob Atchison took a moment to note that the Funny Car field would look a little different in 2006, pointing out that McMillen would be driving a Top Fuel car and now wore sunglasses indoors, suggesting that McMillen was "too cool" to race in the Funny Car division any longer. While McMillen and the crowd had a chuckle, Terry was already wondering how and when he would have a chance to respond to Rob's comments. Little did he know that his opportunity would come sooner than later when Terry was awarded the "Sportsman of the Year". While the award itself left him almost speechless, it only took a minute for Terry to put on his driver's suit and offer a "comeback" to Rob's earlier comment. Terry suggested that the sunglasses weren't for Top Fuel, but rather to diminish the glare that the stage lights were reflecting from Atchison's head (Atchison chooses to shave his head).
Some say McMillen had sealed his destiny towards winning "Sportsman of the Year" during that event in San Antonio. IHRA president, Aaron Pulborn would disagree. "There isn't any 'one point' that earns this award. It's one thousand points over a career. Terry consistently works at putting us all in the best light. Whether it's helping the IHRA sell tickets or taking care of sponsors, he does whatever it takes to be successful." McMillen was quick to add, "I get the credit. But, without my team, the IHRA and great marketing partners, there wouldn't be an opportunity to be in the position to win such an award. I couldn't have done it without marketing partners like Amalie Oil, TORCO Race Fuels, LukOil, XLR8, Fannie May Candies, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams. It's a team effort. My entire team consisting of Tad and Carrie, Brent and Denise, Dale and Dorothy, Jim and Lynnette, Jack Todd and my wife Rhonda." Another bright note for McMillen during the banquet was when he learned that two of his sponsors (Amalie Oil and TORCO Race Fuels) were nominated for "Sponsor of the Year". TORCO Race Fuels will add the 2005 "Sponsor of the Year" award to its resume. "I've always said that we have the best sponsors in the business," McMillen added. "Amalie and TORCO prove it year in and year out. I am very happy for Evan. His passion for drag racing has never been more evident." Evan Knoll, also responsible for the resurgence of the IHRA Nitro Funny Car, was named Drag Racing's Man of the Year by the online publication "Drag Racing Online". October 7, 2005New Top Fuel Team Unveiled In RockinghamRockingham, NC - At a news conference to unveil their Top Fuel dragster, Evan Knoll, President TORCO Race Fuels and Terry McMillen, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, used the opportunity to announce the formation of a new Top Fuel team for the IHRA Drag Racing Series.
"We couldn't construct a better scenario for this incredible partnership," added Evan Knoll. Who are these companies? Julie Wildgoose explains, "All of these companies have a common denominator. They understand the vibrant and most powerful marketing tool available today - motorsports marketing." Partners for the new Top Fuel Dragster include: LUKOIL - Over the past 5 years, LUKOIL entered the U.S. market by acquiring about 1,300 Getty gas stations and 800 Mobil locations in the Northeast. It is converting them to its brand and recently launched advertising to introduce itself to consumers in 13 states. "Branding their stores with the 'We (heart) cars motto' is a perfect fit for drag racing fans," added McMillen. "We can't wait to go to work for them promoting their brand through motorsports marketing."
Amalie Oil - Since 1903 Amalie has had the reputation for high-quality, well-engineered petroleum products. Amalie is the official motor oil of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), title sponsors of 2 major IHRA events (Amalie Oil Texas Nationals - San Antonio, TX and Amalie Oil North American Nationals - Epping, NH)and the primary sponsors of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, one of the IHRA's most recognizable cars. TORCO Racing Fuels / SKULL Gear - Since 1995 TORCO has been known for high quality and high performance and is now the most recognizable name for racing fuels in the drag racing industry. TORCO sponsorships include many IHRA and NHRA teams and encompasses event sponsorships for numerous national and regional events. Eastern Race Fuels - The year 2005 will mark the year that Eastern Race Fuels stormed into race fuel distributorship, becoming the "racers friend" when handling the race fuel needs of professional and sportsman drivers alike. Eastern Race Fuels distributes a full line of TORCO Racing Fuels and additive fuel products, along with a full line of Amalie Oil products. The Hoosier Thunder Top Fuel Dragster marks the second professional car that carries the associate sponsorship of Eastern Race Fuels. The other is the legendary Scotty Cannon and his Pro Mod car driven by son, Scotty Canon, Jr. LGI Digital - Bo Kenny, President of LGI Digital, has been making his mark in the Top Stock category, not only by his record setting passes, but also by sponsoring or co sponsoring several cars in the Top Stock Category. LGI Digital, current class sponsors for Top Stock, will also sponsors the 2006 Top Stock Shootout with $40,000 in prize money. LGI Digital is a movie distributor that owns a small army of stores on the east coast. While Tropical Storm Tammy and Mother Nature try to dampen festivities, the team moves forward with a plan for the World Finals in Rockingham. In addition to driving the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Race Fuels, Terry McMillen is scheduled to compete in Top Fuel eliminations, after meeting the licensing requirements mandated by the sanctioning body. "As of today, Terry has completed all of the licensing requirements except a full pass," said Evan Knoll. "Should the weather become a factor for licensing, the team plans to have Dale Creasy, Jr. pilot the car. A break in the weather is all that is needed." UPDATE - This event has been rescheduled for 10-28-30 thru 10-30-05. Special thanks to all of the partners involved with the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Top Fuel Dragster: LukOil, XLR8, Amalie Oil, eRaceFuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams, LGI Digital. October 6, 2005McMillen Adds Top Fuel To Resume' - Debuts Top Fuel Car At IHRA World FinalsElkhart, IN - Terry McMillen, a perennial IHRA fan favorite, has competed in a variety of drag racing classes including Alcohol and Nitro Funny Cars. Now he'll add Top Fuel to his resume'. McMillen completed the first half of his Top Fuel licensing during testing in Rockingham last week and will complete licensing during the World Finals. McMillen, a Chicago native, and his wife Rhonda are team owners of Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, a mutli-car drag racing team based in Elkhart, IN. "We're very excited about this opportunity," McMillen stated. "There has been a tremendous amount of effort put into this project. It's the culmination of a dream, a plan and hard work. Now, the real work begins." Terry is quick to add, "None of this would be possible without the support from Andrew Bornstein of Amalie Oil, Evan Knoll Torco Race Fuels and all of the marketing partners who believed in our program. My wife Rhonda, my entire team and surrounding yourself with good people have allowed us to take our program to the next level." Evan Knoll, President TORCO Race Fuels and SKULL Gear, said, "We've been involved with a lot of race teams over the years, none quite as exciting as Hoosier Thunder Motorsports. Terry and his team work as hard for their partners as they do at racing." McMillen and Knoll, with his marketing juggernaut, have teamed together and will announce a unique partnership, brand new to drag racing. The Top Fuel team will officially unveil its car Friday in Rockingham. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports also announced today one race sponsorships for the 10th Annual World Finals. Partners for the World Finals include: Amalie Oil - Since 1903 Amalie has been 'Better Than It Has To Be' and continues it's reputation for high-quality, well-engineered petroleum products. Amalie is the official motor oil of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), title sponsors of 2 major IHRA events (Amalie Oil Texas Nationals - San Antonio, TX and Amalie Oil North American Nationals - Epping, NH)and the primary sponsors of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, one of the IHRAs most recognizable cars. Eastern Race Fuels - The year 2005 will mark when Eastern Race Fuels stormed into race fuel distributorship, becoming the "racers friend" when handling the race fuel needs of professional and sportsman drivers alike. Eastern Race Fuels distributes a full line of TORCO Racing Fuels and additive fuel products, along with a full line of Amalie Oil products. The Hoosier Thunder Top Fuel Dragster marks the second professional car that carries the associate sponsorship of Eastern Race Fuels. The other is the legendary Scotty Cannon and his SKULL Gear Pro Mod car driven by son, Scotty Canon, Jr. LGI Digital - Bo Kenny, President of LGI Digital, has been making his mark in the Top Stock category, not only by his record setting passes, but also by sponsoring or co sponsoring several cars in the Top Stock Category. LGI Digital, current class sponsors for Top Stock, will also sponsors the 2006 Top Stock Shootout with $40,000 in prize money. LGI Digital is a movie distributor that owns a small army of stores on the east coast. "We're proud to partner with these companies that we have been associated with for some time," McMillen added. "It's an honor and a privilege to carry the banners of these companies with us into Top Fuel racing." McMillen currently pilots the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, one of the most recognizable cars in the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing Series. The car is also featured in the IHRA Professional Drag Racing video game for XBOX, PlayStation2, PlayStation and PC. As soon as rumors surfaced about McMillen joining the Top Fuel ranks, the phone at his Elkhart, IN race shop began to ring. "Right now I have a driver in mind for the Funny Car," explained McMillen. "That car (InstiGator) has a very strong identity and my relationship with Amalie is very important. Fielding 2 quality cars like this gives us endless possibilities to help our marketing partners." The Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team will field the Top Fuel Dragster for all IHRA and select NHRA races in the 2006 season. The InstiGator Funny car will compete at all IHRA events. McMillen finished the 2004 season #3 in IHRA Funny car points, making 3 quarter-final, 5 semi-final and 1 final round appearance. While the 2005 season has yet to be completed, McMillen has already experienced 3 quarter-final, 2 semi-final and 2 final round appearances. August 16, 2005McMillen Faces Atchison In MartinMartin, MI - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, stormed into the 24th Annual TORCO Racing Fuels Northern Nationals with high expectations and hopes. The Grand Rapids Press featured McMillen in their Thursday Auto Racing Edition with an article titled "McMillen becomes a drag racing animal" and then on Friday the Kalamazoo Gazette featured McMillen again in "This car has teeth". McMillen added, "What a great opportunity that was for our sponsors across greater Michigan."
TORCO Racing Fuels provided a huge hospitality area utilizing the opportunity to entertain their existing and future client base. TORCO Race Fuels high performance product line also includes the Amalie Oil product line. "It was a great weekend. I can't think of a better way to get everyone involved with great companies like TORCO and Amalie," said McMillen, "trust me when I say that Evan Knoll, Owner of TORCO, knows how to throw a hospitality party". Evan had a competition cook from San Antonio provide the feast for over 400 guests, and what a feast it was. A Tip of the Gator's Hat for a job well done. The Cleveland Ohio area is the next stop for McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels. Often referred to as the "Super Bowl" of drag racing, the 24th Annual Skull Gear World Nationals is contested at Norwalk Raceway Park August 24-27. July 26, 2005McMillen Tunes In Early For Canada - CHTV Morning LiveToronto, ONT - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, motor into Ontario for the 4th Annual AC Delco Canadian Nationals. If the old proverb that says 'the early bird catches the worm' holds
If it's working early or working late, the InstiGator team will leave no stone unturned as the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series heads into the 7th stop on the season. "We've been working hard from sun-up to sun-down, we've spent 2 days testing in Martin, MI," explains McMillen. Co-crew chief "Skinny" Lidgard added, "Our summer tune-up has been a tenth (of a second) off from where we need to be. We've tested and tuned to the point where we know that we're ready!" The InstiGator has partnered with high performance companies like Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams. The InstiGator team qualified well and made a semi-final appearance in last years contest. The team knows that going rounds is the key to moving up in the point standings. Co-crew chief "TV" Heflick, "We control our destiny one round at a time. Tune in early, pack a lunch and stay late we plan on being here awhile." June 20, 2005Edmonton Television Features Terry Mc Millen and Team InstiGator
Mc Millen, a fan favorite in the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series, will make several appearances for this event. Beginning Thursday, June 23, Mc Millen will be the guest of CITV-TV Channel 13 News during their 10PM telecast for a live in-studio interview. "Edmonton is a great town and the Canadian fans are some of the best in all of drag racing!" exclaimed Mc Millen. On Friday, June 24, it's time for "The Big Breakfast" on Edmonton's A-Channel, CKEM-TV. Mark Scholz and Bridget Ryan host the morning show from 7AM - 9AM weekdays. Mc Millen will be featured in a segment from the staging lanes during the event. Terry will also be available for autographs during a track-side autograph session beginning at 2PM on Friday. "These fans show us allot of love and support," Terry continued. "We couldn't do it without them and the great support of our partners." The InstiGator team is associated with high performance partners including: Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams. May 17, 2005McMillen Challenges Pro Teams To Adopt A Junior DragsterElkhart, IN - Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen, announced today that the Amalie Oil InstiGator team will become a sponsor for the Division 4 Junior Dragster team of Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe. Sponsors for the InstiGator, which include:Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams will support McMillen in the effort.
May 13, 2005Terry McMillen Featured In Drag Review MagazineElkhart, IN - Drag Review Magazine (DRM) the official publication of the IHRA, featured Terry McMillen in the current issue (#8) of their bi-weekly publication. DRM is distributed to nearly 25,000 fans, racers and sponsors primarily in the U.S. and Canada. McMillen, driver and team co-owner, with wife Rhonda, of the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team pilots the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car powered by TORCO Racing Fuels. Mike Perry, Assistant Editorial Director for DRM, penned his article after the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals. The feature highlights Team InstiGator's quest for its first IHRA Ironman trophy. It also chronicles the involvement of Terry, his team and other drag racers working side by side to help defending Funny Car Champion, Rob Atchison, rebuild his engine before the McMillen - Atchison final round contest. While much has been made about the circumstances around the event, McMillen chooses to down play the attention. "I'm thankful for the recognition," McMillen explains. "If we had it to do all over again, we would do it the same way. For about six seconds we are fierce competitors, the rest of the time we're all pretty close. Rob and his team have helped us the same way." The Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team races with top tiered, high performance companies like Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams. Mike Perry's article from DRM's "Perry's Chronicles", is reprinted below with permission from IHRA. Continue reading "Terry McMillen Featured In Drag Review Magazine" » SearchCategories
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ELKHART, Ind. - Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car and the Torco Nitro Top Fuel Dragster will partner with the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (
SAN ANTONIO, TX - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, showed up earlier for his partners race and the season opening Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing series event.
McMillen, fighting an eye irritation, had not expected to attend the event this year. "So many people - racers, sponsors, friends - everyone, has called and offered prayers and well-wishes," McMillen explained. "The out-pouring of support from the drag racing community has been overwhelming. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their prayers and support."
One of the defining moments of the 2005 season came early for McMillen. Coming off a career best finish in 2004, McMillen had once again positioned himself with an opportunity to win his first event at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals. The final round showdown would pair McMillen with then 2-time and now 3-time IHRA Funny Car Champion, Rob Atchison. However, Atchison's car was wounded in a semi-final win against 5-time IHRA Champion, Mark Thomas. Atchison's machine would require a new engine. Making the call for the final round was not a given for the Canadian-based team. McMillen and his crew were among the first in the Atchison pits lending a hand. "That's just how it's done in drag racing," McMillen said. "When we're on that line, we're fierce competitors for about 6 seconds. In the pits we're a pretty tight knit bunch." Atchison would go on to defeat McMillen in the final round.
The partnership evolved as Terry McMillen, Julie Wildgoose and Evan Knoll explored marketing plans for potential new partners. McMillen explained, "By leveraging the strengths of our existing partners, we were able to create a network of business opportunities. The dynamics of this network will bring immediate and tangible benefits."
XLR8 - BestSweet, Inc, makers of high quality nutritional, pharmaceutical and confectionary products, has secured a multi-year license agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc (DEI) and Dale Earnhardt, Jr for XLR8 Energy Chews and now adds drag racing to it's marketing arsenal. XLR8 (ac-cel-er-ate) Energy Chews combine taurine, ginseng, guarana, caffeine and B vitamins with a burst of cherry flavor to provide a fast energy blast when consumers need a lift. XLR8 is available in a convenient 2-serving package that packs the same power as (2) - 8 ounce energy drinks.
Team InstiGator worked hard to find a tune-up that would put the hemi powered Dodge Avenger quickly down the 1/4 mile drag strip known as US 131 Motorsports Park. The team was able to secure a seventh qualifying position, setting up a first round showdown between McMillen and Rob Atchison. McMillen once again took a starting line advantage, but wasn't able to keep the InstiGator in front of Atchison. The London, Ontario based team went on to win their sixth of eighth events. "Rob is on a roll." McMillen said. "He's only been beat twice this year - we've had the privilege of doing it once, he's tough to catch right now. Our hats are off to them. We'll reload, retest and see if we can find something for him in Norwalk."
true, then McMillen will have an advantage on the competition this weekend.
Hamilton, Ontario's, Lori De Angelis of CHTV Morning Live will be at the Toronto Motorsports Park to interview Terry for 5 segments between 6:20 - 8:50AM. "Lori will be looking for an interview," McMillen says in jest, "but if I'm getting up that early I plan on putting her to work! We'll put Lori in the car, we'll even have her turn a wrench. It should be a lot of fun."
Edmonton, AB - Terry Mc Millen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, roar into the 3rd Annual Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals this week anticipating big results from a track that has been 'gator friendly'. Mc Millen qualified third at last years event, before bowing out in the final round to Jeff Burnett. "We've had some success at this track," stated Mc Millen. "We're expecting to improve on last years results."
Alesi GertheAlesi brought home her first Ironman in 2004, in just her second year of racing. She watches the Pro Stock class carefully, hoping to find a seat in that class in the future and hopes to become an Elementary School Teacher.
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