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Grand Bend, Ont. -- Paul Noakes has driven the Amalie Oil InstiGator in back-to-back final rounds in each of the last 2 events. The mid-season charge has been enough to tighten the points chase, but not enough to make up any ground on Laurie Cannister, who beat Noakes in both final round appearances.
"We just want to continue this mid-season push," Noakes said as he greets fans and sponsors at a London media and cancer benefit event. "Laurie is going to be tough to catch if someone in this funny car class can't put the brakes on her. We've had three shots at her this season and have come up empty handed. It's going to be tough, but I don't think anyone has conceded the championship yet. We're not racing for second place yet," he said with a smile.
Les Mellows, crew chief agrees, "We are still running for number one in the championship, but we need to focus on those that stand in our way and compete at a high level every opportunity we have. The points will be tallied in five more races."
Qualifying for the Mopar Canadian Nationals kicks off this Friday, July 18 and continues through the weekend with eliminations and champions crowned on Sunday, July 20. The race has Noakes and tuner Les Mellows a little more focused than usual. The Ontarians live just minutes from the Grand Bend Motorplex and consider this their home event.
Continue reading "Noakes plans to continue mid-season charge" »
 Grand Bend, Ont. -- After returning from Edmonton and a short week at the race shop, Terry McMillen can't wait to get back to racing. McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster is determined to climb back in his dragster and get back winning rounds.
"We were a little disappointed leaving Edmonton," McMillen admitted. "Those are some of the best fans in all of motorsports, not just drag racing. We wanted to perform better for them and for our sponsors. It just didn't work out for us the way we wanted."
McMillen points to the short week between Edmonton and Grand Bend as a turning point for his team. "We're going to do whatever it takes to get some round wins. My guys are hungry for something positive to happen so we're happy to get back after it in Grand Bend."
Continue reading "McMillen reloads for Grand Bend" »
 Edmonton, Alb. - Terry McMillen kicked off race-week for the Rocky Mountain Nationals this morning with an appearance on Canada's #1 TV station, Global TV. The morning show featured an interview with Terry and newsman Mark Milne. McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster, and defending event champion, told Milne that he hopes to repeat.
"Everyone remembers their first win," McMillen said. "Last year we overcame a lot of adversity to get that win, so it makes it that much more special." McMillen's title defense is the first of his career and one that he expects to be tough. "This year's Rocky Mountain Nationals is very special for our team," McMillen continued. "Rob and Kim Reeves are working with this team and their busy schedules haven't allowed them to be at a race yet this season. Having a chance to race and perform well for them will make this race special."
"The competition in IHRA Top Fuel is tough," McMillen said. "If there's an easy round win out there, we haven't found it." While McMillen's low ET of elimination at Maryland was not good enough to advance him past the hole shot victory of Mike Strausburg, he knows his John "Bodie" Smith tuned team is headed in the right direction.
Currently fifth in points, McMillen thinks his team is still in position to win its first championship. "A lot of teams will tell you they aren't counting points," McMillen said. "We're counting them," he chuckled. "We still control our own destiny. With some good fortune and good luck we should be able to make a run at the top spot."
Continue reading "McMillen to defend Rocky Mountain Nationals title" »
 BUDDS CREEK, Md. - Every race team evaluates their successes and failures and then compares the completed evaluation to the current situation. For Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster, the last 2 weeks have been an evaluation process that he can't wait to put behind him.
"We've beat ourselves up pretty good these past two weeks," McMillen said after failing to qualify for the Motor City Nationals. "It really hurts a lot to miss a race like that. That's why I can't wait to get back to racing. We can only beat ourselves up so much."
Continue reading "McMillen gets back in the hunt for first win of 2008" »
ATLANTA (April 23, 2008) - When Terry McMillen rolls his Torco powered, Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster out of the transporter for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals this afternoon, it will be the first time for McMillen as a team owner and driver. The team adds Ole Country Smokehouse of Anderson, South Carolina as an associate sponsor for the race.
McMillen made his NHRA Top Fuel debut last season. McMillen will strive to qualify and earn his first round win.
"We're excited about being in Atlanta," McMillen said as his truck entered Atlanta Dragway. "We planned on running several of the NHRA races this season - Atlanta wasn't really one of them, but our crew chief John Smith has done a great job of getting a handle on this car and getting our crew to gel in a short amount of time. We've got 10 laps on this new chassis and combination and John already has us in the .60's."
Continue reading "Amalie Oil Top Fuel Dragster makes NHRA debute in Atlanta" »
 'No more Mr. Nice Gator'
ROCKINGHAM, NC (April 17, 2008) -- The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, makes its way to the IHRA Spring Nationals in Rockingham this weekend looking to put a little more bite on its opponents when qualifying begins tomorrow.
While the team did well at the season opening race in San Antonio, (qualifying in the fifth position) the opening round match up with eventual event winner Laurie Cannister ended their chances early for a win.
While the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team car sports a new crew, crew chief and driver, team owner McMillen is confident this will be the best year ever for the team's signature ride. "I have all the confidence in the world with Les Mellows tuning and Paul Noakes driving that car," McMillen said.
The car has long been associate with Amalie Oil and has been a friendly draw for fans of all ages. This season the team went back to an original concept drawing of the car and Michelle Barkett of the Amalie Oil marketing department had Gonzalo Jarmillo redesign the InstiGator to give it a slightly 'meaner' look with more realistic teeth and eyes. This prompted the team to adopt the slogan 'No more Mr. Nice Gator', not only for the new look but also for the new attitude towards getting the fan favorite to the winner's circle for the first time.
Les Mellows is confident the InstiGator can be a dominant force in the class.
Continue reading "InstiGator looking for more bite" »
 ROCKINGHAM, NC. (April 17, 2008) -- After a successful season opening race that found the Amalie Oil Top Fuel dragster in the final round, Terry McMillen and his crew roll into Rockingham with high expectations when qualifying begins this Friday, April 18th, for the second stop on the Nitro Jam Drag Racing series. Like a heavy weight fight, this is just round two of a scheduled 11 round bout.
"I'm very happy with how San Antonio turned out," McMillen said as he unloaded his car in sunny Rockingham. "Certainly we would have loved to win the race. But with a everything being new on this car and no chance to test it before getting to San Antonio, I think John Smith (crew chief) and my guys did an outstanding job. It was better than I had hoped for."
The Smith led crew put McMillen in the final round with an opportunity for his third carreer win in Top Fuel. Looking forward to this weekend's Rockingham race McMillen finds himself optimistic.
"Our guys worked through a lot to get us to the final round. I think we grew a little tighter as a team through all of that. It's going to get tougher from here on out. There's a lot of racing left to do and a lot of good teams that will be fighting all year long for a chance at a world championship. I believe we have an opportunity to be one of those teams fighting in the end if we stay on our toes."
Continue reading "Round two for McMillen's Top Fuel Crew" »
 ELKHART, Ind. - Terry McMillen, driver of the Foley/Lewis Torco Nitro Top Fuel Dragster backed by Evan Knoll, will make his NHRA debut this week at the Torco Race Fuels NHRA Nationals October 5-7. The race held at Virginia Motorsports Park is one that McMillen has been looking forward to all year long.
"We circled these dates on our calander right away," McMillen said. "Evan Knoll does so much for drag racing and this is one of the many events that he sponsors, so we wanted to be here to support him and to get some Top Fuel NHRA experience."
"I'm lucky enough to work along side of Evan at Torco," McMillen continued. "He's really a great guy to work with. When it comes to racing, no one does it better. He gives us the best tools to work with and now this opportunity to race with the best of the best. It's pretty exciting."
Continue reading "McMillen makes NHRA debut at Torco Race Fuels Nationals" »
 ELKHART, Ind. - You could call it a 'rumble in the jungle', the 'party in the pits' or just 'mayhem in Martin', Terry McMillen calls it home. The gator themed Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels will be a fan favorite at this weekend's Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals. The event takes place August 3-5 at the Knoll Gas Motorsports Park off of US 131 near Martin, Michigan.
"This race is the craziest race on the circuit for us," McMillen explained "We will have a couple hundred hometown fans witnessing this event as our guests. We race and test here so much it's just home for us."
Besides being McMillen's home turf, the track has proved to be friendly for the Indiana based team over the past few seasons, including a runner-up finish last season. This year, expectations are just as high. "The team is stating to jell," McMillen said. "My crew chiefs Andy Mac Daddy and TV Tad made some changes in Grand Bend and the car responded, running a 5:89 in first round. With the addition of Austin Lambright we believe we have the nuclease to start going rounds and winning races."
Continue reading "Rumble in the asphalt jungle!" »
 ELKHART, Ind - As the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam rounds the half way mark of the 2007 season and the points battles start to heat up like a humid night on Lake Michigan, Terry McMillen wonders what it will take to make the Torco Nitro Top Fuel Field at this weekend's Torco Race Fuels Northern Nationals.
The August 3-5 event held at the Knoll-Gas Motorsports Park in Martin Michigan will feature an all-star cast of Nitro pilots including; seven time defending IHRA Champion Clay Millican, J.R. Todd, Melanie Troxel and teammate Doug Foley. Knoll himself will even compete at the event, adding another quality car to the mix of competitors.
Fresh off of his first win in Edmonton and semi-final appearance in Grand Bend, McMillen has fought his way into contention for the championship, currently in the fifth position. While McMillen fights to stay in the points battle with TJ Zizzo, Bruce Litton, Scotty Cannon and Bobby Lagana he knows just qualifying for the field will be an accomplishment.
"The competition this week is going to be awesome," said McMillen. "Evan has five his of his NHRA cars coming over to compete at his race. This means it will be nothing short of a blood bath to get in the field."
Continue reading "How low can you go?" »
ELKHART, Ind. - It's a 38-hour jaunt from the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports race shop to the Castrol Raceway in Edmonton, Alberta. For McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car powered by Torco Race Fuels, everyone of the long miles to Edmonton are welcomed.
"Rob and Kim Reeves (Castrol Raceway track owners) do such a great job making this race one of the friendliest on the Knoll-Gas Nitro Jam Drag Racing circuit," said McMillen. "Our team always looks forward to the CARS RV & Marine & Motorsports Rocky Mountain Nationals presented by Torco."
Edmonton's friendly spirit goes beyond the hospitality of the Reeve's family for McMillen. During the past two seasons McMillen's hotrod has made it to the semi-final and final round. "There's certainly something special about Edmonton for us," McMillen added. "Plus it has the best lighting of any track that we'll race all season, guarantee," McMillen joked regarding the long summer days of northwest Canada where the sun doesn't set until past midnight. "These fans truly love drag racing. They'll hang out all night with us."
Continue reading "Edmonton still friendly for McMillen" »
ELKHART, Ind. - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, will make a few extra stops on his way to the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park, May 25-27. The stops include two appearances at area NAPA stores.
McMillen will display his InstiGator Funny Car, sign autographs and be available for pictures. Some fans will actually have an opportunity to sit in the race-ready car.
"This is a great opportunity for us," McMillen said. "Anytime we get a chance to be one-on-one with the fans, it's a chance to make a new friend." The appearances leading up to the race will also bring Hoosier Thunder Motorsports partners together. "This is a great chance for us to all look at the successes we've had with NAPA, Amalie Oil, Torco Accelerator and Skull Shine car care products," McMillen added.
Continue reading "McMillen adds NAPA to Tulsa stops" »
 ELKHART, Ind. (April 17, 2007) - The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels returned from the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals and made more changes to the car. "We did OK in San Antonio," explained McMillen. "But you can never rest when it comes to racing. Tad [Heflick] and Andy [McMillen] have been working day and night since we got home to find the performance edge we need."
At the same time, the InstiGator completed its winter-long face lift at GO Graphix, undergoing some more modifications once all the graphics were removed. The Amalie Oil InstiGator is arguably the most photographed car in all of drag racing. "We're receiving more emails that ever before," said McMillen. "GO Graphix did a great job. The look of that car helps promote everything we do. From every marketing partner on the car to our Gator Wear."
Continue reading "InstiGator Ready to Make Strong Showing in Rockingham" »
Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with Moisture Loc sidelines drag racer
Elkhart, Ind. - It was October 2005 when Terry McMillen strapped into Evan Knoll's Top Fuel Dragster for the 2005 IHRA World Finals in Rockingham. Just one month earlier, McMillen had earned his Top Fuel license with Knoll's help. Now he would attempt to qualify for what would become the fastest Top Fuel field in IHRA history. While McMillen would narrowly miss the field (.026), things looked promising for the 2006 season.
As McMillen began winter testing in Knoll's Top Fueler in preparation for the 2006 campaign, he began to notice a problem with his eye. After many visits to the doctor, McMillen had been diagnosed with a rare fungal eye infection (Fusarium Keratitis) as a result of using Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with Moisture Loc product. The injury required McMillen to undergo corneal replacement and lens surgery. It would sideline McMillen's Top Fuel hopes for the 2006 season.
Continue reading "McMillen Sees Rockingham Differently Now" »
SAN ANTONIO, TX - The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels and driven by Terry McMillen, will take on a brand new look for the 2007 Nitro Jam racing season. While the McMillen hotrod will keep its trademarked alligator appearance, it will have a fresh new look.
"We spent this off season reworking our chassis and tweaking our engine combination," McMillen explained. "This is going to be a brand new ride and we wanted it to have a new look." The Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car has been one of the most photographed race cars in all of drag racing since its inception during the 2002 season. McMillen is sure the new look will attract more attention than ever. "Everyone has always loved this car," he said. "This new look will turn more heads than ever before. The folks at GO Graphix did an outstanding job giving this gator fresh look."
Continue reading "McMillen Readies InstiGator - Shows Off New Look in Texas" »
The Amalie Oil InstiGator team, powered by Torco Race Fuels, spent all of September on the road. Racing, displays and appearances is what the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team lives for. "We've been very busy this past month," explained Terry McMillen, team owner and driver. "After four weeks straight on the road it was nice to get home, rest and take care of the InstiGator. We've given her a full physical, inside and out, she's ready for Rockingham."
Continue reading "InstiGator Rested and Ready for Finals" »
The racing gods must be a fickle bunch. Terry McMillen, driver of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Race Fuels, wonders if it's time to make a deal with the devil. Over the past 31 races, McMillen has been in the semi-final or final round 12 times [4 finals, 8 semi-finals]. McMillen is still chasing his first Iron Man. Adding to McMillen's frustration are three first time winners [Carter, Noakes, and Stevens] during the 2006 eMax Drag Racing season.
Continue reading "McMillen Ready to Make Deal with the Devil" »
When Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by Torco Racing Fuels, roll into the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, it will be a familiar territory. McMillen, who considers US 131 Motorsports Park home for his team, has logged more laps on the Michigan quarter-mile in testing, match races and elimination rounds than any other track in recent years.
Continue reading "Big Crowds Expected For InstiGator's Home Swamp" »
There are a few things in this world you can count on. The sun will rise in the east and set in the west. What goes up, must come down. Consistency has its virtues. For Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, consistency has returned to the team. Can they make it payoff?
Continue reading "Can Consistency Payoff for McMillen?" »
Fresh off a semi-final showdown at the Rocky Mountain Nationals, Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator motor into Detroit, July 7-9, for race a little closer to home, the Suzuki Motor City Nationals. The Knoll Gas - TORCO Race Fuels powered race team jumped to fifth in points following the last event, about four competition rounds from second place.
Continue reading "Motivated McMillen Looks For Consistency" »
Elkhart, Ind. - The third stop on the eMax Drag Racing series takes McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Race Fuels, north of the border this June 2-4. The annual event sponsored by Mopar in Grand Bend Ontario is always a highly contested race. Last season McMillen was able to knock off London, Ontario's Rob Atchison before making a semi-final appearance.
Continue reading "McMillen Planning for a Grand Time at Grand Bend - Several Special Guests Expected" »
Martin, Mich. - Speeds along the Michigan interstates just got a little faster. Legally? Probably not. But, that hasn't stopped Jason and Stephanie Peterson, owners of the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, from featuring the Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, on billboards in preparation for the May 13th National City Thunder Nationals, presented by Pepsi.
Continue reading "Fastest Billboards in Michigan Feature Amalie Oil InstiGator" »
Rockingham, N.C. - Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Race Fuels, head for the sand hills of North Carolina looking to restore a little magic at the Nicko's NY Style Pizza Spring Nationals. "Rockingham had been good to us up until last season," said McMillen. "Somehow we took the 'Rock' for granted."
Continue reading "McMillen Looks For Magic Rockingham Formula" »
Elkhart, Ind. - March 16, 2006 - If a car could smile, the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, would show off a toothy grin as big as the state of Texas. Maybe the car is just a reflection of its driver. Terry McMillen, pilot of the InstiGator, smiles as easy as the paint scheme on his hot rod. "Texas feels a lot like home for this team," said McMillen. "It's the first race of the eMax Drag Racing season and it's the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals, there's plenty to be happy about." It's no wonder San Antonio feels like home for the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team, the InstiGator has posted a semi-final and final round appearance in the past 2 season.
Continue reading "All Smiles for InstiGator in Texas" »
Mark Oswald Tunes Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster at Rockingham
 Rockingham, NC - The rescheduled 10th Annual Udderly Smooth World Finals will mark the completion of the 2005 Hooters IHRA Drag Racing season. The frost on the pumpkin means those that live their life by the quarter mile will reminisce about hard fought summer battles against man, machine and mother nature. For Terry McMillen and his Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team, it marks the beginning of a new era. McMillen will use the World Finals to not only pilot his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, but also to make his driving debut in the Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster.
The InstiGator team is determined to get Terry an Iron Man this season before he gives up the seat in the Funny Car. "TV Tad" Heflick, co-crew chief commented, "Our team has worked very hard this season. Terry has put a lot of confidence in us and it's time for us to deliver." "Skinny" Lidgard, co-crew chief added, "This car has been producing a lot of horsepower all season, our half track incrementals are as fast as anyone's, we can't wait to put all of it together in Rockingham." The Amalie Oil InstiGator team will be aiming for it's second straight top 5 finish in IHRA competition.
"My phone has been ringing off the wall," said McMillen. "Once the season is over, I'll sit down and look at all the different potential drivers for this car. We've been able to create great brand identity with InstiGator for Amalie. Anything that we do will only enhance that identity and the relationship that we enjoy with Amalie."
 The rescheduled World Finals gave the Hoosier Thunder team more seat time in the newly debut Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster allowing McMillen the chance to complete his licensing and secure veteran tuner Mark Oswald for Rockingham. Oswald was the 1984 NHRA Funny Car champion and as a driver, he scored 20 national event wins - two in Top Fuel and 18 in Funny Car - in 41 final-round appearances.
"We're very excited," explained McMillen. "When this opportunity started coming together, Wendy Tysinger (Eastern Race Fuels) and Bo Kinney (LGI Digital) were right there to partner with us to put a fuel car together for Rockingham. The early commitment that they made was instrumental in putting this fuel team together."
Shortly after Eastern Race Fuels and LGI Digital became associate sponsors on the car, Lukoil and XLR8 joined to assure McMillen and his team a short off-season. "It's going to be a very short winter for sure," added McMillen. "Heck, we love cars, it's always a short winter for us anyway. Testing has already begun. We're here to be competitive and win races."
The Lukoil Top Fuel Dragster, energized by XLR8, is currently setting its 2006 racing schedule with all IHRA and at least 8 NHRA races being considered. "I believe we have the team and a car that can compete with anyone in NHRA or IHRA," added McMillen. "I can't wait to get started."
Rockingham, NC - Life is often compared to a rollercoaster ride -- plenty of ups and downs with excitement in the middle. If life is a rollercoaster, then the IHRA is the state fair with at least 12 opportunities to ride that rollercoaster.
The 12th and final ride of the season begins October 7-9 during the 14th Annual World Finals at Rockingham Dragway. The Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, enters the race with 2 final, 2 semi final and 3 quarter final appearances for the season. "It's been a good season and we've had our ups and downs," commented team owner and driver Terry McMillen. "We've got some unfinished business. My team is hungry for that Iron Man." Co-Crew Chief Tad "TV" Heflick added, "This will be our best chance to get our Iron Man." Co-Crew Chief Brent "Skinny" Lidgard agreed, "It's taken us awhile to find out what made the car happy - I can see the smile on that InstiGator's face again."
The Rockingham Dragway usually provides lots of speed for the fall event. In round 1 of qualifying McMillen set a personal best ET for the 2004 season (5.835 - in 2005 he reset his ET at 5.825). Last seasons fall event saw 23 funny car drivers fight for the right to race on Sunday. "It always seems that the competition is up for the finals," said McMillen. "I'm certain there will be enough fun and excitement to go around when 8 cars try to make this field."
"Any time that you set out to race in a season, you know that you're going to have a few speed bumps," said McMillen. "When that happens, it's nice to know that someone has your back. Our backs were more than covered by the strong support of partners like Amalie Oil, eRaceFuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams. Our season is successful because of them."
Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car will begin qualifying at the Rockingham Dragway on Friday night, October 7. Elimination rounds begin on Sunday.
For tickets of information about the event, visit the Rockingham Dragway.
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."
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.
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.
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/
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.
 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."
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.
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