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.”