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.”
InstiGator Heads To Amalie Country
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.
Amalie Oil InstiGator Thunders Into Norwalk
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.
InstiGator To Romp In The Swamp
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:
http://hoosierthunder.com
http://www.us131motorsportspark.com/
Funny Car Points Race Heats Up With Summer
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.”
While some might think that McMillen’s comments are cliché, fans won’t have to look far back into the history books to see that the Funny Car championship has gone down to the last race the past 3 seasons. This season appears to have all of the makings for a season long battle for the championship, but with an interesting twist. What’s normally a 2 team fight down the stretch has turned into a 4 team battle which includes McMillen and Jim Sickles.
“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.
McMillen Continues Quest In Canada
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.”
McMillen Returns To Defend Thunder Nationals Title
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.
“ROCK” Solid Determination For Mc Millen
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.”
Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car on the Prowl 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.
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.
Mc Millen Is Race Ready For The Amalie Oil Texas Nationals
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.”