Rockingham, NC – At a news conference to unveil their Top Fuel dragster, Evan Knoll, President TORCO Race Fuels and Terry McMillen, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, used the opportunity to announce the formation of a new Top Fuel team for the IHRA Drag Racing Series.
The partnership evolved as Terry McMillen, Julie Wildgoose and Evan Knoll explored marketing plans for potential new partners. McMillen explained, “By leveraging the strengths of our existing partners, we were able to create a network of business opportunities. The dynamics of this network will bring immediate and tangible benefits.”
“We couldn’t construct a better scenario for this incredible partnership,” added Evan Knoll.
Who are these companies? Julie Wildgoose explains, “All of these companies have a common denominator. They understand the vibrant and most powerful marketing tool available today – motorsports marketing.”
Partners for the new Top Fuel Dragster include:
LUKOIL – Over the past 5 years, LUKOIL entered the U.S. market by acquiring about 1,300 Getty gas stations and 800 Mobil locations in the Northeast. It is converting them to its brand and recently launched advertising to introduce itself to consumers in 13 states.
“Branding their stores with the ‘We (heart) cars motto’ is a perfect fit for drag racing fans,” added McMillen. “We can’t wait to go to work for them promoting their brand through motorsports marketing.”
XLR8 – BestSweet, Inc, makers of high quality nutritional, pharmaceutical and confectionary products, has secured a multi-year license agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc (DEI) and Dale Earnhardt, Jr for XLR8 Energy Chews and now adds drag racing to it’s marketing arsenal. XLR8 (ac-cel-er-ate) Energy Chews combine taurine, ginseng, guarana, caffeine and B vitamins with a burst of cherry flavor to provide a fast energy blast when consumers need a lift. XLR8 is available in a convenient 2-serving package that packs the same power as (2) – 8 ounce energy drinks.
Amalie Oil – Since 1903 Amalie has had the reputation for high-quality, well-engineered petroleum products. Amalie is the official motor oil of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), title sponsors of 2 major IHRA events (Amalie Oil Texas Nationals – San Antonio, TX and Amalie Oil North American Nationals – Epping, NH)and the primary sponsors of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, one of the IHRA’s most recognizable cars.
TORCO Racing Fuels / SKULL Gear – Since 1995 TORCO has been known for high quality and high performance and is now the most recognizable name for racing fuels in the drag racing industry. TORCO sponsorships include many IHRA and NHRA teams and encompasses event sponsorships for numerous national and regional events.
Eastern Race Fuels – The year 2005 will mark the year that Eastern Race Fuels stormed into race fuel distributorship, becoming the “racers friend” when handling the race fuel needs of professional and sportsman drivers alike. Eastern Race Fuels distributes a full line of TORCO Racing Fuels and additive fuel products, along with a full line of Amalie Oil products. The Hoosier Thunder Top Fuel Dragster marks the second professional car that carries the associate sponsorship of Eastern Race Fuels. The other is the legendary Scotty Cannon and his Pro Mod car driven by son, Scotty Canon, Jr.
LGI Digital – Bo Kenny, President of LGI Digital, has been making his mark in the Top Stock category, not only by his record setting passes, but also by sponsoring or co sponsoring several cars in the Top Stock Category. LGI Digital, current class sponsors for Top Stock, will also sponsors the 2006 Top Stock Shootout with $40,000 in prize money. LGI Digital is a movie distributor that owns a small army of stores on the east coast.
While Tropical Storm Tammy and Mother Nature try to dampen festivities, the team moves forward with a plan for the World Finals in Rockingham. In addition to driving the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Race Fuels, Terry McMillen is scheduled to compete in Top Fuel eliminations, after meeting the licensing requirements mandated by the sanctioning body. “As of today, Terry has completed all of the licensing requirements except a full pass,” said Evan Knoll. “Should the weather become a factor for licensing, the team plans to have Dale Creasy, Jr. pilot the car. A break in the weather is all that is needed.”
UPDATE – This event has been rescheduled for 10-28-30 thru 10-30-05.
Special thanks to all of the partners involved with the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Top Fuel Dragster: LukOil, XLR8, Amalie Oil, eRaceFuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams, LGI Digital.