POMONA, Calif. (February 22, 2011) -- Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil / UNOH Top Fuel Dragster is optimisitc about his second full season in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series - and for good reasons. The Indiana based team left a recent West Palm Beach test session after clocking a career best elaspsed time at 3.823 seconds, despite shutting the car of early.
"I'm excited to say the least," McMillen said. "We spent the offseason putting together a brand new McKinney car and as soon as we pulled it off the trailer in West Palm it ran the best incremental times I've ever run. We kept all of the good things we learned from last season and threw out the rest."
The good news and optimism comes at a cost for McMillen who admits to spending a big part of his early season budget. "We've tested and spent more this preseason than we ever have," McMillen said. "It certainly helped us prepare when Amalie signed on for two more years and with the addition of the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) and Wolverine coming back on board with us this offseason."
Pre Race - BRISTOL, Tenn. - Terry McMillen drove his Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster to his third consecutive first round win last Sunday in Englishtown. McMillen hopes his team can continue and improve on this short streak that has placed him within NHRA's Top 10 for the first time in his career.
Is a Round One win automatic for the team now?
"We'll never take anything for granted," McMillen said. "We've got four round wins for a career and three of those over the last three weeks. There are teams out here that get that in a weekend. We're just trying to keep that 'any given Sunday' mentality. If we stay consistent, maybe we can string a few round wins together and find ourselves in a final round before the year is over."
JOLIET, Ill. -- After earning his first round win of the season, Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster hopes that momentum will carry him deeper into the race at his first hometown appearance in a Top Fuel dragster. The Route 66 Raceway is just minutes from the streets that McMillen roamed as a young man.
"Everything started for me around here," McMillen said. "I worked two paper routes in this area just to be able to buy my first car and race at U.S. 30 Dragstrip. That 392 (cubic inch) Hemi with two four barrel carburators had to compete against some of the baddest hotrods around."
While the drag racing competition in the Chicago area was tough in the early days, McMillen knows it's just as tough today.
"There has always been a lot of top teams in this area and I think if you just look at the depth of the Nitro fields and the car counts, you began to realize that this is a special race for a lot of us. It's like everyone is looking for a little bragging rights."
TOPEKA, Kan. -- The ninth race of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Race takes place this weekend at Heartland Park Topeka and Terry McMillen finds his Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster winless so far on the NHRA tour.
"I don't think you can ever underestimate the depth of talented teams here in the NHRA," McMillen said. "There's no such thing as an easy round. We're going to have to win our first round the old fashion way and earn it."
ATLANTA - Can you be 0-7 on race day this season and still be confident? After losing seven straight elimination rounds, Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster thinks so. "We might be the only 0-7 team out here, but we're better than our record would indicate," McMillen said.
While some would argue that McMillen might be full of confidence, it's hard to argue with his team's early season accomplishments. McMillen has qualified in the top half of the field in the last three races and set new personal best elapsed time and mile per hour records this season. Yet, winning a round on Sunday still eludes that Elkhart, Ind. based team.
MADISON, Ill. - It has been a busy week around the Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster race shop. Terry McMillen, owner and driver of the NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel team hopes this week is even busier as the team rolls into the Gateway International Raceway for the AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals.
"Richard (Hartman, crew chief) has been going over everything with a fine-tooth comb," McMillen said. "This car is so close to putting up some really impressive numbers - it's what keeps us motivated. If you look at our incremental times from the 330 foot mark to the finish line, we're a top five or six car. Yet our 60 foot numbers are at the bottom half of that same incremental sheet. The car really wants to run - if we can just figure out that piece of the puzzle (60 foot times) the car will go."
BAYTOWN, Texas - Terry McMillen will bring high hopes and his Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster to Houston Raceway Park this weekend for the O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals. It will be McMillen's first appearance at the east Texas track.
McMillen hopes Houston marks the spot for his first round win of the season. "We're just taking it one round at a time," he said. "We've ran pretty good at times, we just need to find a way to win a round. If we can do that, we can kind of fight our way into the top 10. It's a little bunched up and it would be pretty fun to make it a little messier."
CONCORD, N.C. - With three races already completed, Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster, finds himself 12th in points, two spots outside of the Countdown to 10. He's reached the 12th spot on the strength of his still untarnished NHRA qualifying efforts as team owner/driver, but he's still searching for his first round win of the 2010 season. While some would suggest it's time to worry, McMillen sees no reason to reach for the panic button.
"We're an inspired team," McMillen said from his Elkhart, Ind., race shop. "We lost first round in Gainesville with a 3.865 to Tony Schumacher and I was slapping high fives with my guys. That was our career best, the third best of that round, and if we had been racing four-wide in Charlotte we would have moved on to the next round."
McMillen, who captured his first NHRA round win at Charlotte last season when he beat Antron Brown, thinks Charlotte could be the spot for his team to have a breakout race.
"I'm excited about being a part of drag racing history. Having a chance to be a part of the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals is going to be something to remember. Plus, if you look at how things unfolded for us last race, the four-wide deal could be helpful for a single-car team like ours."
Gainesville, Fla. -- Terry McMillen will make his second career appearance in his Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster at the Gainesville Raceway March 12-14 during the 41st annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals. After successfully qualifying at Pomona and Phoenix, McMillen hopes to take his team to the next step.
"We missed at least one, if not two, great opportunities to win a round so far this season," McMillen said. "Richard Hartman [crew chief] has our car really moving early - career best numbers for me. We've made some adjustments in the off week, hopefully enough to get us to the end of the track and in the top half of the field."
The team made adjustments to the front wing and the balance of the car in an effort to get the car to settle back down with all four wheels on the track. "Basically we're carrying the front wheels for one second - at a critical point in the race," McMillen explained. "We put a lot of new stuff into this car over the winter and the balance was off enough that I just couldn't steer it. With more front wing we should be able to keep the front tires on the ground and then we can start to go after the clutch a little harder in the middle part of the track. When we tried to get on the clutch a little harder in Phoenix it just planted the wheelie bar and tried to turn the car over."
POMONA, Calif. - When Terry McMillen rolls the Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster into the staging beams at Auto Club Raceway, it won't be the first time he's inched forward to turn on the bulbs at a drag strip. However, it will be his first time at the NHRA Winternationals.
When the 50th running of the NHRA Winternationals takes place this weekend (Feb 11-14), it will not only mark McMillen's first runs in Pomona, but also the beginning of his first full NHRA season.
"We've never been more prepared to start a season than we are right now," McMillen said. "Yet in the back of my mind, I still have to wonder if it's enough. There are a lot of strong teams out here. We know it won't be easy to make the Countdown to the Championship, but I can guarantee we're going to have fun trying."
LAS VEGAS - Terry McMillen rejoins the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing series this weekend during the ninth annual Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, Oct. 29-Nov. 1, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This will be McMillen's fifth appearance of the season with the Amalie Oil / Wolverine Boots and Apparel Top Fuel Dragster in NHRA competition.
McMillen's most recent appearance resulted in his first NHRA round win when he defeated then points leader Antron Brown. He hopes to improve on that performance this weekend, but knows the challenge will be tough with 26 Top Fuel Dragsters entered for competition.
While the team has qualified for every event, like the rest of Vegas, there are no sure bets. "We're really looking forward to making a mark in Vegas," McMillen said. "But, we're going to have to go out there and do our job. There are 25 other teams out there that want to make this field as bad as we do."
EPPING, NH - He's been close on more than one occasion. In fact, Terry McMillen, driver and team owner of the Amalie Oil / Wolverine Boots and Apparel Top Fuel Dragster has been in 8 final rounds with 3 wins in the past three seasons. Three of those final round appearances have been at Amalie sponsored races.
"We've been close several times," McMillen said. "In fact Paul (Noakes) drove my Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car to a win here last year and we had to settle for a runner up finish in the fuel car. We want to get a win in the Top Fuel Car for Amalie at one of their races. It's one of those things that would put a big exclamation mark on a win."
"This place (New England Dragway) is usually very quick. It's exciting for us and the fans. If the conditions are right this is one of those places that we can see records fall."
McMillen and his crew put in a little overtime in preparation for this event. The team made several test runs this on Saturday in preparation for the Amalie Oil IHRA North American Nationals. "We've been chasing one of those racing gremlins," McMillen explained. "We didn't want to take any chances going into this race."
ELKHART, Ind. - In most sporting events it's known as the home field advantage. When Terry McMillen brings his Amalie Oil / Wolverine Boots and Apparel Top Fuel Dragster to the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan it will be the closest thing to home field advantage that a drag racer can hop for.
"We've been busy preparing for the IHRA North American Nationals," McMillen said. "It's not every day that we get to race this close to home. We'll have so many friends and family here visiting and supporting our team. It's just awesome to have that much hometown support. Jason and Stephanie Peterson (track owners) do such a great job making this place feel like home for all the teams. It's just great to race here."
McMillen will be looking for a little redemption to his final round loss at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park to Spencer Massey. "The key to our success this weekend will be to stay focused," McMillen added. "With all of our friends here it can be easy to get distracted."
ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. - When Terry McMillen bumps his Amalie Oil / Wolverine Boots and Apparel Top Fuel Dragster into the staging beams at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park it will mark his fifth start in NHRA competition. While McMillen holds a perfect 5-0 qualifying record as owner/driver, he's looking for a little more this weekend.
"It's time for us to step up and get our first round win," McMillen said as he drove the team transporter into the Garden State for the 40th annual United Association NHRA SuperNationals "We've missed a few opportunities, but we can't make excuses. Our first priority is to get this car into the show and then take it one round at a time."
DALLAS - Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil / Wolverine Boots and Apparel Top Fuel Dragster, has a Texas sized week planned in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area. All of the plans lead to one ultimate goal for McMillen - to win the Amalie Oil IHRA Texas Nationals.
In his tenth season partnered with Amalie, McMillen has come close to winning a race sponsored by Amalie, including two final round losses last season in San Antonio and Epping, NH. He took pride in watching his InstiGator Funny Car win in Epping last season with team driver Paul Noakes behind the wheel, but McMillen can't find satisfaction until he drives his Amalie dragster into the winner's circle.
"This is a huge race for us in many ways," McMillen said. "Racing for Amalie at their event, in front of their guests, always raises the level of expectation for us. It would mean a lot to our team to get this win for Amalie."
After visiting the Dallas Raceway a few weeks ago, McMillen is also excited about racing at the new facility. "This is a beautiful track in a huge market for Amalie and IHRA," McMillen said. "To see what Kenny Barnes and his staff have put together is amazing. His attention to the details have been nothing short of phenomenal. Fans and racers are going to love this place."
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. - As Terry McMillen pulled into the heart of racing country and made the journey across the sandhills of North Carolina, he had one thing on his mind. Winning rounds.
McMillen drives that Amalie Oil/Wolverine Boots and Apparel Top Fuel Dragster and knows that if he's going to have to start winning rounds sooner rather than later. The Indiana based team, tuned by Doug Kuch, ripped off 5 final rounds with one win in IHRA competition only to finish third in championship points last season.
McMillen explains, "Someone might try to look at Rockingham and say 'it's early in the season'. I look down the list of racers that are going to be here and our team can't afford to give up one round of racing to any of them."
"Top Fuel was tough enough last season," McMillen continued. "You can't let your guard down for a minute around here or someone will take your lunch before you know it."
ATLANTA - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil / Wolverine Boots and Apparel Top Fuel Dragster will make their fourth career NHRA start at this weekend's Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals. McMillen and his Elkhart Indiana based team is still is search of its first round win.
"I've got to be honest," McMillen said as he and his team set up their pit area for the race. "We've been disappointed with our performance so far this season. It's not that we've been that bad - it just hasn't been that good. We expect more from ourselves."
Terry McMillen will make his ACDelco NHRA Gator Nationals debut this weekend in his Amalie Oil / Wolverine Boots and Apparel Top Fuel Dragster. The team affectionately calls the car the 'Nitro Gator' because of the large gator head, water and gator skin that adorns the 300 mile per hour dragster.
McMillen chuckled and asked, "Would it be an understatement to think there might be a few folks from the Gainesville area that would cheer for a gator car? Maybe we'll find a couple of extra fans just based on that."
While McMillen hopes Florida Gator fans like his car, the real reason for the reptilian look is Tampa based Amalie Oil. "Amalie has used the gator theme for a long time," McMillen explains. "We've raced my Alcohol Funny Car for years as the InstiGator and last season we dressed up this dragster to look like a gator. It certainly makes it a car that's a little easier to remember."
Woodland Park joins Hoosier Thunder as associate sponsor
LAS VEGAS -- Terry McMillen is familiar with the high risk, high stakes world of Top Fuel drag racing. As the driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster, he knows what it's like to roll the dice and take a chance. In his first year as owner/driver of a Top Fuel team (second as driver), McMillen has taken many chances to put his team in the position it enjoys today.
This weekend's ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals will be McMillen's second NHRA event of the season and third of his career. He is still seeking his first NHRA round win. "I think we picked a pretty tough race to try and make a statement at," McMillen said. "Everybody is on top of their game right now making a chase for the championship. Plus there's about two dozen quality cars here trying to battle it out for one of the 16 spots. We're up for the challenge. I think we can surprise some people if things go our way."
McMillen's optimism is not unwarranted. His Doug Kuch tuned Top Fuel machine finished the IHRA season with five final round appearances and two wins. Four of those came in the last five races as the Amalie Oil sponsored team made a push for the championship title.
ROCKINGHAM, NC. -- When Terry McMillen and Paul Noakes race at the IHRA World Finals at the Rockingham Dragway this weekend (October 17-19), they'll both attempt to set new career records in their Amalie Oil sponsored machines.
The Hoosier Thunder Motorsports teammates have combined for 10 final round appearances (five each) and 3 wins (Noakes 2 - McMillen 1). The most dramatic of the wins coming when both McMillen and Noakes scored victories on the same weekend in Grand Bend.
"If the season ended yesterday, I would say it has been a great year," McMillen said. "But there's some unfinished business and we're here to finish strong."
Career best seasons for both McMillen and Noakes have only been hampered by the bumpy start of the season for the two car team that was formed over the winter.
"In any other season both Paul and I would probably being going into Rockingham contending for the championship," McMillen said. "As it stands right now - we're fighting for second place."
EPPING, NH -- With the IHRA Drag Racing season rounding the corner towards the home stretch, Terry McMillen, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owner, will bring both of his cars to the Amalie Oil North American Nationals. He hopes to continue the team's late season rally for the September 5 - 7 event.
McMillen, who drives the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster and fields the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny car, driven by Paul Noakes, has rallied his teams to one of the most dominate performances of a two-car team in recent history. After a sluggish start to the season, both Amalie sponsored cars have gone on to compete in eight final rounds (four each) and earn two wins (one each) through eight races. Those performances have fueled both McMillen and Noakes into championship contention for the 2008 season. McMillen's Top Fuel entry currently sits in third position just 79 points behind defending champion Bruce Litton and 152 points behind the rookie points leader Spencer Massey.
TULSA, Okla. -- The largest gathering of show trucks from the popular CMT television series Trick My Truck will be on display and featured during the August 22-24 IHRA Sooner Nationals at the Tulsa Raceway Park. Cast members Kelvin Locklear, Ryan "Ryno" Templeton, Rob Richardson, Matt Moore, Steve Harrah and Allen Harrah will be in attendance and participate in special autograph sessions.
"We're just a bunch of motor-heads," Rob Richardson said. "If it's loud, fast and cool we want to be a part of it. That's why we love coming to IHRA events."
The Trick My Truck Reunion is a celebration of the four successful seasons the show has been broadcast. It also marks the last chance for show and race fans to enter the Trick My Crew sweepstakes before ending on September 8, 2008. The sweepstakes have been a season long promotion offering fans a chance to become a member of Terry McMillen's Amalie Oil Top Fuel team for the IHRA World Finals in Rockingham.
"Our team has had a lot of fun hanging out with these guys," McMillen said. "I've just got to keep an eye on them. They're constantly trying to trick out my dragster and Mike Baker (IHRA Director of Competition & Technical Services) keeps making them take it off the car. I'm sure they'll keep trying to sneak something by Baker."
Ten trucks will be on display throughout the weekend, including Lance Burk's "Iron Man" which was produced to promote the Paramount motion picture release earlier this year. Other great trucks in attendance will be, 'Big Game', 'Buzz Worthy', 'No Worries', 'Fowl Play', 'Open Range', 'Hammer Down', 'Free Spirit' and two other tricked trucks.
Trick My Truck cast members join McMillen at Martin
ELKHART, Ind. - Terry McMillen is riding a wave of emotion. Just before McMillen took his Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster for a winning ride in Grand Bend he watched his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car team, driven by Paul Noakes and tuned by Les Mellows, make its way to the winners circle. The funny car win ended an eleven year drought. The top fuel win marked McMillen's third win in the past 11 races.
"This sport is such a roller coaster," McMillen said. "I wouldn't trade the ride for anything, I can promise you that."
McMillen hopes the mid-season win will be enough to put his team back in the championship hunt. "I'm sure we've been counted out more than once," McMillen added. "But, if we can stay consistent over the next few races and maybe win three out of four down the stretch, who knows what can happen. I know we spent the week buying parts and getting ready to mix it up in Martin."
ELKHART, Ind. - With just four races remaining in the Nitro Jam drag racing season, the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, driven by Paul Noakes, finds itself right where it wants to be. This weekend's Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals (August 1-3) at the US 131 Motorsports Park will prove if the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team car has what it takes to win its first championship.
The InstiGator has made final round appearances in the last 3 races, including the most recent win in Grand Bend. Noakes will also be defending his Northern Nationals title at this weekend's event.
"We're pretty excited about getting to race again," Noakes said. "It was such an emotional lift for our team to defend our 2007 win in Grand Bend. I hope we can make a successful defense in Martin also."
Crew Chief, Les Mellows likes his chances. "I think the stamina of any athlete determines champions," Mellows said as he prepared for the race. "The Kalbones team has it [Laurie Cannister, points leader]. We seem to be hitting our stride right on time."
Grand Bend, Ont. -- Paul Noakes has driven the Amalie Oil InstiGator in back-to-back final rounds in each of the last 2 events. The mid-season charge has been enough to tighten the points chase, but not enough to make up any ground on Laurie Cannister, who beat Noakes in both final round appearances.
"We just want to continue this mid-season push," Noakes said as he greets fans and sponsors at a London media and cancer benefit event. "Laurie is going to be tough to catch if someone in this funny car class can't put the brakes on her. We've had three shots at her this season and have come up empty handed. It's going to be tough, but I don't think anyone has conceded the championship yet. We're not racing for second place yet," he said with a smile.
Les Mellows, crew chief agrees, "We are still running for number one in the championship, but we need to focus on those that stand in our way and compete at a high level every opportunity we have. The points will be tallied in five more races."
Qualifying for the Mopar Canadian Nationals kicks off this Friday, July 18 and continues through the weekend with eliminations and champions crowned on Sunday, July 20. The race has Noakes and tuner Les Mellows a little more focused than usual. The Ontarians live just minutes from the Grand Bend Motorplex and consider this their home event.
Grand Bend, Ont. -- After returning from Edmonton and a short week at the race shop, Terry McMillen can't wait to get back to racing. McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster is determined to climb back in his dragster and get back winning rounds.
"We were a little disappointed leaving Edmonton," McMillen admitted. "Those are some of the best fans in all of motorsports, not just drag racing. We wanted to perform better for them and for our sponsors. It just didn't work out for us the way we wanted."
McMillen points to the short week between Edmonton and Grand Bend as a turning point for his team. "We're going to do whatever it takes to get some round wins. My guys are hungry for something positive to happen so we're happy to get back after it in Grand Bend."
Edmonton, Alb. - Terry McMillen kicked off race-week for the Rocky Mountain Nationals this morning with an appearance on Canada's #1 TV station, Global TV. The morning show featured an interview with Terry and newsman Mark Milne. McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster, and defending event champion, told Milne that he hopes to repeat.
"Everyone remembers their first win," McMillen said. "Last year we overcame a lot of adversity to get that win, so it makes it that much more special." McMillen's title defense is the first of his career and one that he expects to be tough. "This year's Rocky Mountain Nationals is very special for our team," McMillen continued. "Rob and Kim Reeves are working with this team and their busy schedules haven't allowed them to be at a race yet this season. Having a chance to race and perform well for them will make this race special."
"The competition in IHRA Top Fuel is tough," McMillen said. "If there's an easy round win out there, we haven't found it." While McMillen's low ET of elimination at Maryland was not good enough to advance him past the hole shot victory of Mike Strausburg, he knows his John "Bodie" Smith tuned team is headed in the right direction.
Currently fifth in points, McMillen thinks his team is still in position to win its first championship. "A lot of teams will tell you they aren't counting points," McMillen said. "We're counting them," he chuckled. "We still control our own destiny. With some good fortune and good luck we should be able to make a run at the top spot."
BUDDS CREEK, Md. - Every race team evaluates their successes and failures and then compares the completed evaluation to the current situation. For Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster, the last 2 weeks have been an evaluation process that he can't wait to put behind him.
"We've beat ourselves up pretty good these past two weeks," McMillen said after failing to qualify for the Motor City Nationals. "It really hurts a lot to miss a race like that. That's why I can't wait to get back to racing. We can only beat ourselves up so much."
ATLANTA (April 23, 2008) - When Terry McMillen rolls his Torco powered, Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster out of the transporter for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals this afternoon, it will be the first time for McMillen as a team owner and driver. The team adds Ole Country Smokehouse of Anderson, South Carolina as an associate sponsor for the race.
McMillen made his NHRA Top Fuel debut last season. McMillen will strive to qualify and earn his first round win.
"We're excited about being in Atlanta," McMillen said as his truck entered Atlanta Dragway. "We planned on running several of the NHRA races this season - Atlanta wasn't really one of them, but our crew chief John Smith has done a great job of getting a handle on this car and getting our crew to gel in a short amount of time. We've got 10 laps on this new chassis and combination and John already has us in the .60's."
ROCKINGHAM, NC (April 17, 2008) -- The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, makes its way to the IHRA Spring Nationals in Rockingham this weekend looking to put a little more bite on its opponents when qualifying begins tomorrow.
While the team did well at the season opening race in San Antonio, (qualifying in the fifth position) the opening round match up with eventual event winner Laurie Cannister ended their chances early for a win.
While the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team car sports a new crew, crew chief and driver, team owner McMillen is confident this will be the best year ever for the team's signature ride. "I have all the confidence in the world with Les Mellows tuning and Paul Noakes driving that car," McMillen said.
The car has long been associate with Amalie Oil and has been a friendly draw for fans of all ages. This season the team went back to an original concept drawing of the car and Michelle Barkett of the Amalie Oil marketing department had Gonzalo Jarmillo redesign the InstiGator to give it a slightly 'meaner' look with more realistic teeth and eyes. This prompted the team to adopt the slogan 'No more Mr. Nice Gator', not only for the new look but also for the new attitude towards getting the fan favorite to the winner's circle for the first time.
Les Mellows is confident the InstiGator can be a dominant force in the class.
ROCKINGHAM, NC. (April 17, 2008) -- After a successful season opening race that found the Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster in the final round, Terry McMillen and his crew roll into Rockingham with high expectations when qualifying begins this Friday, April 18th, for the second stop on the Nitro Jam Drag Racing series. Like a heavy weight fight, this is just round two of a scheduled 11 round bout.
"I'm very happy with how San Antonio turned out," McMillen said as he unloaded his car in sunny Rockingham. "Certainly we would have loved to win the race. But with a everything being new on this car and no chance to test it before getting to San Antonio, I think John Smith (crew chief) and my guys did an outstanding job. It was better than I had hoped for."
The Smith led crew put McMillen in the final round with an opportunity for his third carreer win in Top Fuel. Looking forward to this weekend's Rockingham race McMillen finds himself optimistic.
"Our guys worked through a lot to get us to the final round. I think we grew a little tighter as a team through all of that. It's going to get tougher from here on out. There's a lot of racing left to do and a lot of good teams that will be fighting all year long for a chance at a world championship. I believe we have an opportunity to be one of those teams fighting in the end if we stay on our toes."
ELKHART, Ind. - Terry McMillen, driver of the Foley/Lewis Torco Nitro Top Fuel Dragster backed by Evan Knoll, will make his NHRA debut this week at the Torco Race Fuels NHRA Nationals October 5-7. The race held at Virginia Motorsports Park is one that McMillen has been looking forward to all year long.
"We circled these dates on our calander right away," McMillen said. "Evan Knoll does so much for drag racing and this is one of the many events that he sponsors, so we wanted to be here to support him and to get some Top Fuel NHRA experience."
"I'm lucky enough to work along side of Evan at Torco," McMillen continued. "He's really a great guy to work with. When it comes to racing, no one does it better. He gives us the best tools to work with and now this opportunity to race with the best of the best. It's pretty exciting."
ELKHART, Ind. - You could call it a 'rumble in the jungle', the 'party in the pits' or just 'mayhem in Martin', Terry McMillen calls it home. The gator themed Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels will be a fan favorite at this weekend's Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals. The event takes place August 3-5 at the Knoll Gas Motorsports Park off of US 131 near Martin, Michigan.
"This race is the craziest race on the circuit for us," McMillen explained "We will have a couple hundred hometown fans witnessing this event as our guests. We race and test here so much it's just home for us."
Besides being McMillen's home turf, the track has proved to be friendly for the Indiana based team over the past few seasons, including a runner-up finish last season. This year, expectations are just as high. "The team is stating to jell," McMillen said. "My crew chiefs Andy Mac Daddy and TV Tad made some changes in Grand Bend and the car responded, running a 5:89 in first round. With the addition of Austin Lambright we believe we have the nuclease to start going rounds and winning races."
ELKHART, Ind - As the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam rounds the half way mark of the 2007 season and the points battles start to heat up like a humid night on Lake Michigan, Terry McMillen wonders what it will take to make the Torco Nitro Top Fuel Field at this weekend's Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals.
The August 3-5 event held at the Knoll-Gas Motorsports Park in Martin Michigan will feature an all-star cast of Nitro pilots including; seven time defending IHRA Champion Clay Millican, J.R. Todd, Melanie Troxel and teammate Doug Foley. Knoll himself will even compete at the event, adding another quality car to the mix of competitors.
Fresh off of his first win in Edmonton and semi-final appearance in Grand Bend, McMillen has fought his way into contention for the championship, currently in the fifth position. While McMillen fights to stay in the points battle with TJ Zizzo, Bruce Litton, Scotty Cannon and Bobby Lagana he knows just qualifying for the field will be an accomplishment.
"The competition this week is going to be awesome," said McMillen. "Evan has five his of his NHRA cars coming over to compete at his race. This means it will be nothing short of a blood bath to get in the field."
ELKHART, Ind. - It's a 38-hour jaunt from the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports race shop to the Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta. For McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car powered by Torco Race Fuels, everyone of the long miles to Edmonton are welcomed.
"Rob and Kim Reeves (Castrol Raceway track owners) do such a great job making this race one of the friendliest on the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing circuit," said McMillen. "Our team always looks forward to the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco."
Edmonton's friendly spirit goes beyond the hospitality of the Reeve's family for McMillen. During the past two seasons McMillen's hotrod has made it to the semi-final and final round. "There's certainly something special about Edmonton for us," McMillen added. "Plus it has the best lighting of any track that we'll race all season, guarantee," McMillen joked regarding the long summer days of northwest Canada where the sun doesn't set until past midnight. "These fans truly love drag racing. They'll hang out all night with us."
ELKHART, Ind. - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, will make a few extra stops on his way to the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park, May 25-27. The stops include two appearances at area NAPA stores.
McMillen will display his InstiGator Funny Car, sign autographs and be available for pictures. Some fans will actually have an opportunity to sit in the race-ready car.
"This is a great opportunity for us," McMillen said. "Anytime we get a chance to be one-on-one with the fans, it's a chance to make a new friend." The appearances leading up to the race will also bring Hoosier Thunder Motorsports partners together. "This is a great chance for us to all look at the successes we've had with NAPA, Amalie Oil, Torco Accelerator and Skull Shine car care products," McMillen added.
ELKHART, Ind. (April 17, 2007) - The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels returned from the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals and made more changes to the car. "We did OK in San Antonio," explained McMillen. "But you can never rest when it comes to racing. Tad [Heflick] and Andy [McMillen] have been working day and night since we got home to find the performance edge we need."
At the same time, the InstiGator completed its winter-long face lift at GO Graphix, undergoing some more modifications once all the graphics were removed. The Amalie Oil InstiGator is arguably the most photographed car in all of drag racing. "We're receiving more emails that ever before," said McMillen. "GO Graphix did a great job. The look of that car helps promote everything we do. From every marketing partner on the car to our Gator Wear."
Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with Moisture Loc sidelines drag racer
Elkhart, Ind. - It was October 2005 when Terry McMillen strapped into Evan Knoll's Top Fuel Dragster for the 2005 IHRA World Finals in Rockingham. Just one month earlier, McMillen had earned his Top Fuel license with Knoll's help. Now he would attempt to qualify for what would become the fastest Top Fuel field in IHRA history. While McMillen would narrowly miss the field (.026), things looked promising for the 2006 season.
As McMillen began winter testing in Knoll's Top Fueler in preparation for the 2006 campaign, he began to notice a problem with his eye. After many visits to the doctor, McMillen had been diagnosed with a rare fungal eye infection (Fusarium Keratitis) as a result of using Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with Moisture Loc product. The injury required McMillen to undergo corneal replacement and lens surgery. It would sideline McMillen's Top Fuel hopes for the 2006 season.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels and driven by Terry McMillen, will take on a brand new look for the 2007 Nitro Jam racing season. While the McMillen hotrod will keep its trademarked alligator appearance, it will have a fresh new look.
"We spent this off season reworking our chassis and tweaking our engine combination," McMillen explained. "This is going to be a brand new ride and we wanted it to have a new look." The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car has been one of the most photographed race cars in all of drag racing since its inception during the 2002 season. McMillen is sure the new look will attract more attention than ever. "Everyone has always loved this car," he said. "This new look will turn more heads than ever before. The folks at GO Graphix did an outstanding job giving this gator fresh look."
The Amalie Oil InstiGator team, powered by Torco Race Fuels, spent all of September on the road. Racing, displays and appearances is what the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team lives for. "We've been very busy this past month," explained Terry McMillen, team owner and driver. "After four weeks straight on the road it was nice to get home, rest and take care of the InstiGator. We've given her a full physical, inside and out, she's ready for Rockingham."
The racing gods must be a fickle bunch. Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, wonders if it's time to make a deal with the devil. Over the past 31 races, McMillen has been in the semi-final or final round 12 times [4 finals, 8 semi-finals]. McMillen is still chasing his first Iron Man. Adding to McMillen's frustration are three first time winners [Carter, Noakes, and Stevens] during the 2006 eMax Drag Racing season.
When Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Racing Fuels, roll into the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, it will be a familiar territory. McMillen, who considers US 131 Motorsports Park home for his team, has logged more laps on the Michigan quarter-mile in testing, match races and elimination rounds than any other track in recent years.
There are a few things in this world you can count on. The sun will rise in the east and set in the west. What goes up, must come down. Consistency has its virtues. For Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, consistency has returned to the team. Can they make it payoff?
Fresh off a semi-final showdown at the Rocky Mountain Nationals, Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator motor into Detroit, July 7-9, for race a little closer to home, the Suzuki Motor City Nationals. The Knoll Gas - TORCO Race Fuels powered race team jumped to fifth in points following the last event, about four competition rounds from second place.
Elkhart, Ind. - The third stop on the eMax Drag Racing series takes McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Race Fuels, north of the border this June 2-4. The annual event sponsored by Mopar in Grand Bend Ontario is always a highly contested race. Last season McMillen was able to knock off London, Ontario's Rob Atchison before making a semi-final appearance.
Martin, Mich. - Speeds along the Michigan interstates just got a little faster. Legally? Probably not. But, that hasn't stopped Jason and Stephanie Peterson, owners of the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, from featuring the Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, on billboards in preparation for the May 13th National City Thunder Nationals, presented by Pepsi.
Rockingham, N.C. - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Race Fuels, head for the sand hills of North Carolina looking to restore a little magic at the Nicko's NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals. "Rockingham had been good to us up until last season," said McMillen. "Somehow we took the 'Rock' for granted."
Elkhart, Ind. - March 16, 2006 - If a car could smile, the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, would show off a toothy grin as big as the state of Texas. Maybe the car is just a reflection of its driver. Terry McMillen, pilot of the InstiGator, smiles as easy as the paint scheme on his hot rod. "Texas feels a lot like home for this team," said McMillen. "It's the first race of the eMax Drag Racing season and it's the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals, there's plenty to be happy about." It's no wonder San Antonio feels like home for the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team, the InstiGator has posted a semi-final and final round appearance in the past 2 season.
Mark Oswald Tunes Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster at Rockingham
Rockingham, NC - The rescheduled 10th Annual Udderly Smooth World Finals will mark the completion of the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing season. The frost on the pumpkin means those that live their life by the quarter mile will reminisce about hard fought summer battles against man, machine and mother nature. For Terry McMillen and his Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team, it marks the beginning of a new era. McMillen will use the World Finals to not only pilot his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, but also to make his driving debut in the Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster.
The InstiGator team is determined to get Terry an Iron Man this season before he gives up the seat in the Funny Car. "TV Tad" Heflick, co-crew chief commented, "Our team has worked very hard this season. Terry has put a lot of confidence in us and it's time for us to deliver." "Skinny" Lidgard, co-crew chief added, "This car has been producing a lot of horsepower all season, our half track incrementals are as fast as anyone's, we can't wait to put all of it together in Rockingham." The Amalie Oil InstiGator team will be aiming for it's second straight top 5 finish in IHRA competition.
"My phone has been ringing off the wall," said McMillen. "Once the season is over, I'll sit down and look at all the different potential drivers for this car. We've been able to create great brand identity with InstiGator for Amalie. Anything that we do will only enhance that identity and the relationship that we enjoy with Amalie."
The rescheduled World Finals gave the Hoosier Thunder team more seat time in the newly debut Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster allowing McMillen the chance to complete his licensing and secure veteran tuner Mark Oswald for Rockingham. Oswald was the 1984 NHRA Funny Car champion and as a driver, he scored 20 national event wins - two in Top Fuel and 18 in Funny Car - in 41 final-round appearances.
"We're very excited," explained McMillen. "When this opportunity started coming together, Wendy Tysinger (Eastern Race Fuels) and Bo Kinney (LGI Digital) were right there to partner with us to put a fuel car together for Rockingham. The early commitment that they made was instrumental in putting this fuel team together."
Shortly after Eastern Race Fuels and LGI Digital became associate sponsors on the car, Lukoil and XLR8 joined to assure McMillen and his team a short off-season. "It's going to be a very short winter for sure," added McMillen. "Heck, we love cars, it's always a short winter for us anyway. Testing has already begun. We're here to be competitive and win races."
The Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster, energized by XLR8, is currently setting its 2006 racing schedule with all IHRA and at least 8 NHRA races being considered. "I believe we have the team and a car that can compete with anyone in NHRA or IHRA," added McMillen. "I can't wait to get started."
By Jim - Posted on October 26, 2005 7:01 PM|Permalink
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Rockingham, NC - Life is often compared to a rollercoaster ride -- plenty of ups and downs with excitement in the middle. If life is a rollercoaster, then the IHRA is the state fair with at least 12 opportunities to ride that rollercoaster.
The 12th and final ride of the season begins October 7-9 during the 14th Annual World Finals at Rockingham Dragway. The Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, enters the race with 2 final, 2 semi final and 3 quarter final appearances for the season. "It's been a good season and we've had our ups and downs," commented team owner and driver Terry McMillen. "We've got some unfinished business. My team is hungry for that Iron Man." Co-Crew Chief Tad "TV" Heflick added, "This will be our best chance to get our Iron Man." Co-Crew Chief Brent "Skinny" Lidgard agreed, "It's taken us awhile to find out what made the car happy - I can see the smile on that InstiGator's face again."
The Rockingham Dragway usually provides lots of speed for the fall event. In round 1 of qualifying McMillen set a personal best ET for the 2004 season (5.835 - in 2005 he reset his ET at 5.825). Last seasons fall event saw 23 funny car drivers fight for the right to race on Sunday. "It always seems that the competition is up for the finals," said McMillen. "I'm certain there will be enough fun and excitement to go around when 8 cars try to make this field."
"Any time that you set out to race in a season, you know that you're going to have a few speed bumps," said McMillen. "When that happens, it's nice to know that someone has your back. Our backs were more than covered by the strong support of partners like Amalie Oil, eRaceFuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams. Our season is successful because of them."
Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car will begin qualifying at the Rockingham Dragway on Friday night, October 7. Elimination rounds begin on Sunday.
For tickets of information about the event, visit the Rockingham Dragway.
By Jim - Posted on September 30, 2005 6:42 PM|Permalink
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Budds Creek, MD - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels shook off the summer slump with a semi-final appearance and new personal best ET and MPH in the in Epping, NH, putting the team back on track with a chance to make up ground in the points standings.
The 14th Annual TORCO Racing Fuels President's Cup Nationals, contested at the Maryland International Raceway September 23-25, sets the stage for stop #11 on the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series. McMillen qualified the InstiGator in the #3 position in the 2004 event, making his push to a career best finish. "This year isn't different," explained McMillen. "Tension will be turned up a notch for everyone with only two races remaining. We have to continue on the success that we had in Epping if we're going to make a run up the points ladder."
The InstiGator team spent the week testing in Martin, MI during the Funny Car Nationals in preparation for the national event. Although the track was slick, McMillen was encouraged by the results. "Anytime that we can make hits on a track, we learn more about the car and our team; that's a good thing." Co-crew chief Tad "TV" Heflick had a different view. "We come out here to win. We give our driver the best car in the show - then he doesn't deliver," joked an upbeat Heflick. McMillen had one of the better performing cars that night and appeared set for a final round showdown with Mike Comella, before drawing a red light. "My guys have been having a lot of fun with that," said McMillen. "That's the third time in my career that I red lit. I don't 'guess' at the tree. My reaction times are always consistent - check it out," he argues in jest. "Hey, I would like to blame the timing equipment, but that would sound like an excuse. I'm just glad it's out of my system before Maryland."
McMillen (currently 5th in points)doesn't think it's to late to charge back in to the points race. "We've dug a little hole when we hit our summer slump, said McMillen. "Can we catch Robbie (Atchison) or (Jim) Sickles? That would be pretty tough at this point. Can we get ourselves back to being a top 3 team? If we do our job and get a little help, it's certainly possible."
McMillen will arrive in Maryland early again this week to continue his year long media blitz, doing radio shows and media day. "I enjoy doing these pre race events," explains McMillen. It's good for the IHRA and it's good for our team and partners. We couldn't do this if it weren't for our great partners, like; Amalie Oil, eRaceFuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams."
By Jim - Posted on September 20, 2005 3:23 PM|Permalink
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Epping, NH - The New England area is well known for its scenic country side, passion for baseball and abundance of fresh sea food. But, as the summer begins to lose its sting and the New England air hints of the fall season, drag racing fans know that it can only mean one thing. It's time for the 10th Annual Amalie Oil North American Nationals. The IHRA Hooters Drag Racing event will be contested September 9-11 at the New England Dragway.
"The New England area has been Amalie country for over 80 years," stated Andrew Bornstein, Business Development Manager for Amalie Motor Oil. "Our partners in that region provide over 100 retail outlets for Amalie products." Amalie will host a hospitality tent trackside for friends and partners during the event.
Area distributors are also participating in an Amalie promotion during race week. Don Bosely, District Manager Northeast explains, "Amalie is running radio spots all week in the New England area. Anyone who purchases an Amalie product at one of the area distributors will get a Amalie Oil InstiGator Die Cast car while supplies last."
Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, kicked off race week early with a radio appearance Tuesday morning. "We're always excited about being here," stated McMillen. "We love getting here early and spending time with all of our friends at VIP - Parts, Tires and Service, Sanel Parts Plus, Robbins Auto Parts and Auto Value."
McMillen will make several radio and personal appearances throughout the week. Radio appearances began Tuesday and will continue through Friday when Terry spends time with Greg and the Morning Buzz. The Morning Buzz is syndicated across New England, making it one the regions top radio shows. "I spent an hour with these guys last year," McMillen said. "They're a fun bunch. Plus, we put Laura (one of the show personalities) in the car last year. It made great radio."
McMillen and the InstiGator Funny Car will also make several appearances throughout the week to show the car and sign autographs. On Tuesday, Sanel Parts Plus hosted an event at their store in Exeter, NH. Sanel Part Plus will also host an event at their Manchester, NH store on Thursday.
On Wednesday, VIP - Parts, Tires and Service will host McMillen at their Somersworth, NH store.
While it's a busy week for McMillen around the New England area, he knows race week begins at the starting line on Friday. "We've got to roll off of the truck ready to go," said McMillen. "In the past we've had success here, but this is as big a race as any. You can bet that all of the teams will going for it. There's no reason to conserve parts now. It's time to put it all on the line."
McMillen qualified the InstiGator in the #4 position and made a semi-final appearance in the 2004 contest.
By Jim - Posted on September 7, 2005 2:51 PM|Permalink
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Cleveland, OH - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, will thunder into Norwalk, OH to begin race week a day early. The annual "Super Bowl" of Hooters IHRA Drag Racing kicks off Wednesday, August 24 with "Thunder In The Streets". "We never miss "Thunder In The Streets," explained McMillen. "It's an outstanding event that the whole community embraces - it just wouldn't be Norwalk without it."
The 24th Annual Skull Gear World Nationals (August 25-28) kicks off as beautiful downtown Norwalk closes down Main Street as many professional teams, including the InstiGator, showcase their cars along this picturesque slice of Americana starting at 3PM. "This event has grown so much since it started 9 years ago," added McMillen. "It's really something for the families and fans of northern Ohio."
"Thunder In The Street" includes family friendly activities, plenty of food, and Mike Albert and the Big E Band to cap off the evening. Also included in the day’s activities are a 5K run, a hot rod cruise, and plenty of Harleys.
While being involved in the pre-race events is always motivating for the InstiGator Team, McMillen never loses sight of the goal. "We've got a huge race here," said McMillen. "Everyone marks the calendar for Norwalk Raceway Park. I would imagine that we'll see competitor car counts approaching or surpassing one thousand. That's allot of cars - but we've got our work cut out for us in Funny Car."
While two-time IHRA Funny Car Champion Rob Atchison and his team continue to add to their points lead, everyone knows that the season is far from over. In a pre-race interview with IHRA.com, Atchison said, "IHRA Funny Car is a tough class loaded with talent so no lead is too large to overcome. Last year we trailed by the same amount of points that we are ahead and we fought our way back to win the championship." McMillen commented, "On one hand that gives us encouragement, on the other hand we know that those guys aren't letting up for a minute. Unless they're going to start using an anchor for a wheelie bar it's going to be up to us to race around them."
The action in Funny Car begins Friday.
By Jim - Posted on August 23, 2005 11:43 AM|Permalink
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Grand Rapids, MI - It will be hard to find a mud puddle during this weekends TORCO Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at the beautiful US 131 Motorsports Park. But, if you're the Gator and it's your home track, there's nothing quite like a swamp to make you feel at home.
Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, splash into Martin for a little romp in the swamp on the eight stop of the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series. "It's our home track, we've tested and raced more here than anywhere," explained McMillen. "It'll be a great weekend for TORCO and all of their associates, we certainly plan on putting on a show for our fans and sponsors."
McMillen has proven he can pilot his machine the 1320 feet of drag strip at the northern Michigan track, making semi-final appearances two out of the last three seasons. "We've had success at this track," McMillen added. "We've got to go rounds starting now to stay in the championship hunt".
The InstiGator team found inspiration this week from the many fans and competitors that sent emails of encouragement, including one from a funny car competitor reminding the team that they are only 25 points behind last seasons pace, which ended in a career best third place finish.
The Elkhart, Indiana driver who always finds time for fans will be participating in media day, Thursday, August 18 and will be in a midweek feature article in the Grand Rapids Press. "This is what racing is all about," said McMillen. "We've got the best fans, they're always there to cheer us on and I can never say enough about our partners. Andrew and the gang at Amalie give us the best chance to compete with their entire line of oils and lubricants. While there's bit a lot written about him lately, no one can ever say enough about Evan Knoll and all that he has done not only for this team, but all of drag racing. Mark at Flatout Gaskets has been behind us and a big reason we are competitive week in and week out. I wouldn't run anything but Flatout Gaskets on my cars! Roy at Crane Cams has been there for us all year long and Jon at NGK Spark Plugs and Joe at MSD and Jack at Performance Graphics and all of the people that work hard at Powershield Coatings."
The TORCO Racing Fuels Northern Nationals is contested August 12-14 at the US 131 Motorsports Park just outside of Grand Rapids in Martin, Michigan. For more information contact:
Milan, MI - The old song says, "Summer is here and the living is easy". While it might be time for lemonade and back yard cookouts with friends in your neighborhood, the Hooters IHRA Funny Car points race is hotter than Daisy Duke hosting a car wash in Milan, Michigan.
The 3rd Annual Dukes of Hazzard Motor City Nationals could be the turning point for many teams as the IHRA season reaches the half way point this July 15-17. Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, continues to challenge perennial Funny Car Champions Mark Thomas and Rob Atchison. Atchison and Thomas have seven championship titles between them. "It's still anyone's championship," remarked McMillen. "We're planning on a race to the end."
"There's a lot of fight left in this Gator," commented team co-owner Rhonda McMillen. "While this has been a great run so far, we're far from finished." Team co-crew chief, Tad "TV" Heflick agrees, "We've got our sites on an Ironman and a championship." Brent "Skinny" Lidgard, co-crew chief added, "Our sponsors have been great, they deserve the extra attention."
The InstiGator team partners with high quality, high performance companies like Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams.
McMillen has had past success in the Motor City. In the 2004 event, the InstiGator team qualified third and went on to a semi-final appearance. "It's time for us to make our move," McMillen explained. "Now is the time. Everything is new on this car now. We've got the set up we want."
McMillen and the InstiGator Funny Car will also be participating in Milan's first Thunder in the Streets. The event made famous at Norwalk, OH brings IHRA drivers and cars onto city streets. "Communities love this opportunity to get up close to their favorite drivers," added Jim Walczak, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Marketing Director. "It's great for the event, the teams and the sponsors." The Milan event will feature a concert with Certified Angus, a classic car cruise presented by Back Street Cruizers and Miss Washtenaw County. Kids can expect arts, crafts, clowns and balloons.
By Jim - Posted on July 11, 2005 10:29 AM|Permalink
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Elkhart, IN - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, race into Grand Bend, Ontario Canada for the fourth stop on the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series. Currently third in points and trailing second by just 26 points, McMillen takes his career best start and his InstiGator team to Canada as they continue their quest towards the IHRA Funny Car Championship and the team's first Iron Man.
With two final round appearances in the first 3 races things look promising for the team. "We've enjoyed the journey so far," explained McMillen. "We've been successful in getting to the final round and we're thankful for it. But, we're getting into the 'heart' of the season. These next few races will set the tone for the rest of the year - we plan on being right in the middle of it."
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. Rhonda McMillen, team co-owner, commented, "We've had a lot of great exposure for our team and our partners so far this year, it's exciting to be in the race for the championship."
The Grand Bend Motorplex is home track for two-time IHRA champion Rob Atchison and will prove to be a challenge for the InstiGator team. Terry commented, "Anytime that you have to go a drivers home track and take a win from him, it's going to be tough, but this Gator is hungry. We've had a chance to face Rob twice in the finals and if we earn the opportunity to face him again in Grand Bend it will be a great show for the fans."
By Jim - Posted on June 7, 2005 10:03 AM|Permalink
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Elkhart, IN - Terry Mc Millen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car powered by TORCO Race Fuels returns to the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan to defend his Thunder National title. The May 14 event is sanctioned by World Alcohol Racers (WAR) and sponsored by TORCO Racing Fuels, the official racing fuel of the IHRA and WAR.
Elkhart, IN - Terry Mc Millen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, race into Rockingham North Carolina for the 35th Annual IHRA Spring Nationals (April 22-24) with "rock" solid determination for a win. Mc Millen brings the momentum of a final round appearance at the Amaile Oil Texas Nationals contested earlier this month in San Antonio.
The Rockingham Dragway ("The ROCK") is the second stop on the 12 race Hooters Racing Series and one of IHRAs fastest tracks. Last year's race saw three world records reset during the event. "There's no doubt that we'll see some great times and speeds at "The ROCK" again this year," stated Mc Millen. "We're producing more horsepower than we ever have with these Crane Cams, I expect we'll have some fast passes."
Just seven points out of first place, Mc Millen hopes to improve on the best start of his Funny Car career. Last year, Mc Millen qualified sixth at "The ROCK" and raced to a semi final appearance before bowing out to event winner and 5-time IHRA Champion Mark Thomas. Co-Crew Chief Tad "TV TAD" Heflick thinks his team is ready. "We're working as hard as anyone right now." Fellow tuner, Co-Crew Chief Brent "Skinny" Lidgard agrees, "We stayed in Texas an extra day just to test. We've improved our 60ft times and that will pay dividends in Rockingham."
San Antonio, TX - The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, is prowling San Antonio area NAPA Auto Care Centers and radio stations this week. IHRA fan favorite, Terry Mc Millen, driver of the Amalie Oil Funny Car will be on location at NAPA Auto Care Centers to meet fans and sign autographs in preparation for IHRA's 4th Annual Amalie Oil Texas Nationals contested at the San Antonio Raceway April 1-2.
Mc Millen will be a special guest Friday, between 7:00AM - 8:40AM on the KTSA radio show. In addition, the Napa Auto Care Show on KKYX is a frequent stop for Mc Millen. He will take his regular spot Saturday (10:00AM - 12:00PM) on the show where Terry and NAPA Auto Parts NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip talk about racing.
San Antonio, TX - Terry Mc Millen has fueled up the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car with Torco Racing Fuel, expecting Texas sized results at the upcoming Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in San Antonio on April 1-2 at the San Antonio Raceway. This 4th annual event is presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks and RVs and San Antonio Express News.
"We've worked all winter long, tested and tuned in Texas more than any other funny car team, we're expecting big results at this race and for the season," commented Terry.
Mc Millen recently returned from the Spring Meltdown in Abilene, Texas where he made several test passes down the track. "The InstiGator was making good horsepower and we had very good incremental times. We're ready for the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals," stated Mc Millen, "it's time to see how all of our winter work will pay off."
Abilene, TX - IHRA fan favorite, Terry Mc Millen and his Amalie Oil /Torco Racing Fuels InstiGator Funny Car, will appear at the Abilene Star Dodge Dragstrip Spring Meltdown, March 4th. Friday's Spring Meltdown begins a power packed weekend followed by the Lone Star Bracket Nationals on Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6. This marks Mc Millen's second trip to the Lone Star state this year. In January, Mc Millen and his InstiGator team tested in San Antonio and appeared at the San Antonio Monster Jam, promoting the 4th Annual Amalie Oil Texas Nationals.
San Antonio,TX - IHRA Funny Car driver Terry McMillen brings his Amalie Oil/Torco Dodge Avenger, the Instigator, to the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas during this weekend's Monster Jam. The event runs from Friday, January 21st through Saturday, January 23rd. McMillen will be promoting the IHRA season opener, the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks and RVs and the San Antonio Express News.
BUDDS CREEK, Md. - Every race team evaluates their successes and failures and then compares the completed evaluation to the current situation. For Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster, the last 2 weeks have been an evaluation process that he can't wait to put behind him.
ELKHART, Ind. - Terry McMillen, driver of the Foley/Lewis Torco Nitro Top Fuel Dragster backed by Evan Knoll, will make his NHRA debut this week at the Torco Race Fuels NHRA Nationals October 5-7. The race held at Virginia Motorsports Park is one that McMillen has been looking forward to all year long.
ELKHART, Ind. - You could call it a 'rumble in the jungle', the 'party in the pits' or just 'mayhem in Martin', Terry McMillen calls it home. The gator themed Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels will be a fan favorite at this weekend's Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals. The event takes place August 3-5 at the Knoll Gas Motorsports Park off of US 131 near Martin, Michigan.
ELKHART, Ind - As the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam rounds the half way mark of the 2007 season and the points battles start to heat up like a humid night on Lake Michigan, Terry McMillen wonders what it will take to make the Torco Nitro Top Fuel Field at this weekend's Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals.
ELKHART, Ind. (April 17, 2007) - The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels returned from the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals and made more changes to the car. "We did OK in San Antonio," explained McMillen. "But you can never rest when it comes to racing. Tad [Heflick] and Andy [McMillen] have been working day and night since we got home to find the performance edge we need."
Rockingham, NC - The rescheduled 10th Annual Udderly Smooth World Finals will mark the completion of the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing season. The frost on the pumpkin means those that live their life by the quarter mile will reminisce about hard fought summer battles against man, machine and mother nature. For Terry McMillen and his Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team, it marks the beginning of a new era. McMillen will use the World Finals to not only pilot his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, but also to make his driving debut in the Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster.
The rescheduled World Finals gave the Hoosier Thunder team more seat time in the newly debut Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster allowing McMillen the chance to complete his licensing and secure veteran tuner Mark Oswald for Rockingham. Oswald was the 1984 NHRA Funny Car champion and as a driver, he scored 20 national event wins - two in Top Fuel and 18 in Funny Car - in 41 final-round appearances.
in Epping if we're going to make a run up the points ladder."
But, as the summer begins to lose its sting and the New England air hints of the fall season, drag racing fans know that it can only mean one thing. It's time for the 10th Annual Amalie Oil North American Nationals. The IHRA Hooters Drag Racing event will be contested September 9-11 at the New England Dragway.
Elkhart, IN - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, race into Grand Bend, Ontario Canada for the fourth stop on the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series. Currently third in points and trailing second by just 26 points, McMillen takes his career best start and his InstiGator team to Canada as they continue their quest towards the IHRA Funny Car Championship and the team's first Iron Man.
Elkhart, IN - Terry Mc Millen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, race into Rockingham North Carolina for the 35th Annual IHRA Spring Nationals (April 22-24) with "rock" solid determination for a win. Mc Millen brings the momentum of a final round appearance at the Amaile Oil Texas Nationals contested earlier this month in San Antonio.
San Antonio, TX - The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, is prowling San Antonio area NAPA Auto Care Centers and radio stations this week. IHRA fan favorite, Terry Mc Millen, driver of the Amalie Oil Funny Car will be on location at NAPA Auto Care Centers to meet fans and sign autographs in preparation for IHRA's 4th Annual Amalie Oil Texas Nationals contested at the San Antonio Raceway April 1-2.
San Antonio, TX - Terry Mc Millen has fueled up the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car with Torco Racing Fuel, expecting Texas sized results at the upcoming Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in San Antonio on April 1-2 at the San Antonio Raceway. This 4th annual event is presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks and RVs and San Antonio Express News.
San Antonio,TX - IHRA Funny Car driver Terry McMillen brings his Amalie Oil/Torco Dodge Avenger, the Instigator, to the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas during this weekend's Monster Jam. The event runs from Friday, January 21st through Saturday, January 23rd. McMillen will be promoting the IHRA season opener, the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by Ancira Cars, Trucks and RVs and the San Antonio Express News.
