Terry McMillen Racing

You are here: Home / Archives for Jim

McMillen Continues Quest In Canada

By

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.”

InstiGator Growls Back At Richmond With Second Final Round Appearance

By

Richmond, VA – Terry McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, growled back into the IHRA Funny Car points race at the Virginia Motorsports Park. The event marked the second time in three races that the team has made a final round appearance. The InstiGator team leaves Virginia third place in IHRA points.

“It was a great week for our team,” exclaimed an excited McMillen. “Anytime that you get a chance to go rounds, it’s a good thing. It’s good for us, it’s great for our sponsors.” The week leading into the 5th Annual AC Delco Nationals kept the team very busy. An appearance at West Mifflin, PA’s Clara Barton Elementary School began the week as McMillen was the featured speaker at the school’s anti-drug assembly.

McMillen also completed a television spot for Hotrodnewz TV that will air later in June on Fox Sports Net.

The Amalie Oil InistiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels was honored to appear on a poster inserted into a special edition of Saturday’s Richmond Times-Dispatch. The Times-Dispatch also included coverage of the InstiGator on Sunday’s front page (The paper has a Sunday circulation of more than 225,000). “We’ve got some of the best partners in the racing industry. Our job is to bring exposure to all of our quality partners, including Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams,” said McMillen.

The Gator Growls

The race started Friday afternoon as team InstiGator made it’s first qualifying attempt. “We set the car up little soft for the first pass,” explained Co-Crew Chief Brent “Skinny” Lidgard. Our goal was to get a down the track with a good ET and not hurt the car.” The InstiGator posted a 6.163 ET which would qualified the team in the 9th position, but not good enough to make the new eight car field.

The second qualifying attempt provided a brief bit of excitement, but ultimately proved uneventful. After the car launched, a quick release mechanism malfunctioned, allowing the steering wheel to remain in McMillen’s hands, unattached to the car. “Needless to say that will get your attention,” stated a surprised McMillen. “It’s never happened to me before, but other drivers shared their experiences with me. I’m just thankful that we were able to keep the car off of the wall and out of the other lane.”

The Amalie Oil InstiGator would have a final attempt Saturday morning to make the event where 19 other Funny Car teams would fight for one of the eight available spots.

“The gloves were off,” stated Co-Crew Chief Tad “TV” Heflick. “We had one chance left and we weren’t going home early!” The final qualifying attempt paired McMillen against two-time Funny Car Champion Rob Atchison. McMillen took a hole shot and turned on the win light, placing the Amalie Oil InstiGator team solidly in the field in the second position with a 5.864 ET at 240.21 MPH. “While it wasn’t an elimination round, it felt good to get a win light against Atchison and more importantly to get a number 2 qualifying spot,” said McMillen. “My crew chief’s, Skinny and TV Tad, haven’t had a day off in a while. Our whole team including Rhonda, Carrie “CareBear”, TV Dad, Charlie, Jim and Zak did a great job. Our team is coming together and our team work is getting better. We know hard work pays off.”

McMillen eliminated 5-time World Champion Mark Thomas and Jim Sickles to make it to the final round for a rematch of the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals finals against 2-time World Champion Rob Atchison. McMillen registered phenomenal reaction times all through eliminations (.023, .019, .037), but even a hole shot against Rob Atchison could not change the final outcome. “We’re still chasing that elusive Iron Man. If we keep putting ourselves in the path of opportunity like this, we’ll get our Iron Man. Right now we’re concentrating on consistency and working towards the championship,” said McMillen. “We’re in a good spot, it’s only getting better from here.”

McMillen Challenges Pro Teams To Adopt A Junior Dragster

By

Elkhart, 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.

Alesi, a 15-year-old Rockdale, Texas freshman and her 13-year-old brother Ayrton are excited about the announcement. “This is the coolest thing; it’s a big opportunity for my family and me. We’re thankful to Mr. McMillen and all of the sponsors,” stated Alesi.

During the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals, McMillen had the chance to meet the Gerthe family and spend time with Alesi, an aspiring Pro Stock driver. “This family had an impact on our team,” explained McMillen. “After the race, we thought about how we might help young men and women in our sport. We came up with a simple idea: “Adopt A Junior Dragster”. It’s something we would like to challenge other professional and sportsman teams to do also.”

The “Adopt A Junior Dragster” program is designed to encourage and support young drivers to excel in school, while at the same time help them learn about all aspects of drag racing, sponsorship development and communication. The program will also encourage young drivers to take the lessons they have learned in school and utilize them in “real world” situations. Program participants will sharpen their reading, writing and communication skills, at the same time learning the responsibility and commitment of running a racing organization.

“Sherrie Barbour (Special Programs Director for IHRA) and her staff have done a great job developing the Junior Dragsters, commented Rhonda McMillen. “Not only is it a great way for families to play together and make friends with other families, it’s also developing the future drivers of our sport.”

Alesi and Ayrton cars will carry the logos of their sponsors. They will also be writing pre-race press releases for each event that they participate and distribute the press release to their sponsors. “We feel like this is a great chance to teach youngsters how to prepare a sponsorship proposal and how to communicate with their sponsors on an ongoing basis,” said Terry.

As sponsors of the InstiGator team, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flat Out Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs will supply product in the “Adopt A Junior Dragster” program with McMillen.

Born To Race
Being in the seat of a race car might seem more of a birthright than an aspiration for the Gerthe family. Alesi and Ayrton are named after racers. Alesi is named after two-time Formula One World Champion Jean Alesi. Similarly, her younger brother, Ayrton, is named after the late Ayrton Senna, a three-time Formula One World Champion. Their father, Duane, also raced motocross for several years.

Alesi’s mother Lisa recalls, “Alesi wasn’t sure at first if she liked drag racing. But, once she had the chance to race her brother’s car, she fell in love with it. We knew that trying to share seat time would be a challenge.” Alesi added that she especially enjoys winning and meeting all of the different people at the races. Proving that IHRA Drag Racing is a family sport, the Gerthes spend their weekends racing. Dad Duane is crew chief for Alesi, and Mom Lisa handles the duties for son Ayrton.


Ayrton began his racing career in 2001 at the age of 9, enjoys video games (specifically racing games), paintball and Science and wants to become an Inventor and Top Fuel driver. His favorite IHRA drivers are Clay Millican and Terry McMillen.Ayton Gerthe

One of Ayrton’s first memories in drag racing was building his first car with his dad Duane. “We changed the backend to a custom,” he explained. “I really like that everybody in the family is in racing. We get to spend a lot of time together.” He also enjoys the tight points race and competition of racing head to head with friend Michael Zampese. “He pushes me a lot – I like that.” Ayrton took home his first Ironman last season at the 2004 PM-1 Jr. Nationals in San Antonio.

While there are other tracks closer to the Gerthe family, they choose to participate at the San Antonio Raceway. “Todd and Judy [Zampese] run their track very professionally and treat the Junior Dragsters very well,” commented Lisa Gerthe. Alesi recalls the recent national event when Todd Zampese escorted her family down to stand at the start line during Top Fuel qualifying. “That was exciting!” explained Alesi. “It’s hard to explain to people the feeling and vibrations when those cars take off.”

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.

Get Involved
McMillen sees the “Adopt A Junior Dragster” program as a unique opportunity to give back to the sport. “We’ve been very blessed over the years. We’ve got some of the best sponsors in drag racing including Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams. This is our way of giving a little something back to the sport that means so much to our family.”

Teams wishing to get involved in the “Adopt A Junior Dragster” program who are unsure of how to find a Junior Dragster in their area are encouraged to contact Sherrie Barbour (sbarbour@ihra.com) at IHRA headquarters. Junior Dragster teams should follow IHRA.com and Drag Review Magazine for further details.

Terry McMillen Featured In Drag Review Magazine

By

Elkhart, 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.mcmillenspeedinterview.jpg

[Read more…]

McMillen Returns To Defend Thunder Nationals Title

By

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.

[Read more…]

Mc Millen’s Amalie Oil InstiGator Teams Up With NAPA At The “Rock”

By

Rockingham, NC – Terry Mc Millen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car will team up with area Carolina NAPA dealers at IHRAs 35th Annual Spring Nationals contested April 22-24 at the Rockingham Dragway. Currently second in the IHRA Hooters Racing Series points race, Mc Millen, an IHRA fan favorite will be available to meet fans and sign autographs while the InstiGator funny car is on display from 10:00AM – 5:00PM this Thursday (April 21) at Barnes Motor & Parts Company in Rockingham. Barnes Motor & Parts Company is located at 728 East Broad Avenue.
We had a lot of fun and success with this program in San Antonio,” stated Mc Millen. “NAPA is quality parts and service and Amalie is ‘better than it has to be’. I know I can find Amalie Oil for my car at area Carolina NAPA Auto Car Centers in Charlotte and High Point North Carolina and Columbia South Carolina.” The InstiGator team is expecting over 300 NAPA associates at the Rockingham Dragway.
Last year, Mc Millen qualified sixth at “The ROCK” and raced to a semi final appearance at an event that saw three world records reset. “This may be the fastest racing surface we’ll see all year,” explained Mc Millen. “We’re certainly excited about all of the NAPA folks that will be present to see this great race.”
Mc Millen added, “Our success can be contributed to the outstanding help from companies like Amalie Oil, Torco Race Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Vintage Trailers, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams, we couldn’t do this without them.”SAInstiGator.jpg

“ROCK” Solid Determination For Mc Millen

By

mcmillenheadshot.jpgElkhart, 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.”

[Read more…]

Mc Millen Makes Final Round Appearance In San Antonio – Team InstiGator Best Appearing Pro Crew

By

mcmillenspeedinterview.jpgSan Antonio, TX – Terry Mc Millen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator proved that you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Powered by Torco Race Fuels, the team raced to a final round appearance against two time IHRA Funny Car Champion Rob Atchison and was awarded “Best Appearing Pro Crew” by the IHRA during the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals. The team leaves San Antonio just 7 points out of first place.
Mc Millen began his season opening quest for his first Iron Man from the #4 qualifying position with a 5.944 ET at 235.93 MPH performance. “That was good enough to get us in the show, but we knew we had to get better to continue,” stated Mc Millen. Mc Millen put out the call to his Co-Crew Chiefs Brent “Skinny” Lidgard and Tad “TV” Heflick to tune the machine for eliminations. With the help of crewmembers Dale “TV Dad” Heflick and Jim Walczak the team prepared the car for a first round appearance against the #5 qualifier Terry Munroe.

[Read more…]

Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car on the Prowl in San Antonio

By

teamTHUMB.jpgSan 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.

[Read more…]

Mc Millen Is Race Ready For The Amalie Oil Texas Nationals

By

terry_mcmillen2005SanAntonio.jpgSan 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.”

[Read more…]