San Antonio, Tex – Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, leave the season opening, eMax Drag Racing Series event with a semi-final appearance and a spot among the top 3 in the point standings. The Elkhart, Indiana driver eliminated Terry Munroe before falling to Mark Thomas. Thomas went on to win the event.
The event showcased the return of TORCO Nitro Funny Cars and the fans showed their appreciation by showing up in record numbers. “What a great weekend,” said McMillen. “Anytime that we get a chance to race in Amalie country it’s exciting. Add to that the first race under the eMax banner and you have a formula for success.”
“We’re pretty happy with the weekend overall,” added McMillen. “Anytime that you don’t win an event you look at what you could have done to improve. We made a lot of changes to the car over the winter, we’ll steadily improve.”
The Amalie Oil InstiGator team also added a new crewmember, Shaun Neidig. Neidig, a San Antonio native, will join the team on the eMax Drag Racing Series. “Shaun did a great job,” said Brent “Skinny” Lidgard, co-Crew Chief. “He’ll be a big asset to this team.” Neidig’s primary responsibility will be the clutch. Neidig is also a drag racer, competing in division 4 events with his Top Dragster. The crew was also assisted by honorary crewmember Ayrton Gerthe.
The team enjoyed not only a weekend of racing, but also spending time with friends. Following the race, McMillen spent time with Alesie Gerthe as she tested in her new Quick Rod Dragster. “It’s great to spend time with the Gerthe’s,” said McMillen. “They’re a great family.”
Monday’s post race activities also featured the team’s new 2-seat dragster. Sponsored by No Limit Custom Coach & Trailer (http://nolimitcustomcoach.com), the 2-seater offers fans and sponsors alike, the opportunity to experience the thrill of drag racing. The No Limit Dragster can reach speeds up to 150MPH during an 1/8 mile pass. No Limit Custom Coach & Trailers is the official Coach and Trailer of Hoosier Thunder Motorsports. “Danny Fillion, Craig Anstead and Rob Reeves provide us with great looking transportation and service,” said McMillen. “Having their dragster at events will be a lot of fun. It gives the eMax Drag Racing Series fans a chance to experience drag racing.”
NAPA area customers and distributors were some of the first to try out the dragster. Steve Anderson, NAPA District Sales Manager, was among the riders. “We all had a lot of fun,” commented Anderson. “This is a great way to leave customers with a lasting impression.”
Nick Kontonicolas, C Trade Group CEO, was on hand to warm up the InstiGator before Saturday qualifying. Kontonicolas was set to make a licensing pass in the InstiGator before rain ended testing in San Antonio. “Nick is an avid race enthusiast,” said McMillen. “He’s raced before and we want to give him an opportunity to make some hits in the InstiGator. Rain wouldn’t allow it today, so we’ll have to save that chance for Nick.”
The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car will make its next appearance at the Rockingham Spring Nationals at the Rockingham Dragway, April 21-23.
