KNOLL BUYS CONNOLLY'S PRO
STOCK TEAM
NHRA
Pro Stock driver Dave Connolly's 2005 season was stabilized
June 6 when Evan Knoll (shown), president and owner of Torco
Race Fuels and Torco Gear, purchased the Mike Dzurilla-owned
Bullet Motorsports Chevrolet Cobalt team.
The contract signing at Torco headquarters in Decatur,
Michigan, ended four days of intense negotiations between
Knoll, Dzurilla, Mark and Andy Carrier, and Brian Olson,
longtime Carrier Boyz friend and teammate.
The new Knoll Gas Motorsports team will include all crew
members from the Bullet Motorsports team -- crew chief Terry
Adams, engine supplier Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins,
and crew members Brad Hall and John Utt. Olson has been
named new team manager. The team will be based at Olson's
Peru, IN, shop part of the time and at Adams' home in Wilkesboro,
NC, when it's not at the tracks.
The
Carriers, who recommended the team to Knoll after the Topeka
race, have formed a marketing partnership with the Knoll
Gas Motorsports team. The Carrier Boyz' Top Fuel dragster,
driven by Cory McClenathan, will be carrying the Torco banner,
beginning this weekend at the CARQUEST Auto Parts Nationals
at Joliet, IL, where Connolly will be one of eight drivers
competing in the King Demon Challenge Saturday.
Knoll emphasized his goal of keeping the team intact. "Nothing
is changing," he said. "I've learned that if it
ain't broke, don't fix it. We are following a great format
begun by Mike Dzurilla and the team." [6-7-2005]
ASHLEY TO DRIVE NITRO FUNNY
CAR
Pro Modified ace Mike Ashley will move into a third Funny
Car within Del Worsham's Checker, Schucks & Kragen operation.
With backing from (surprise, surprise) Evan Knoll of Torco
Race Fuels and their new Torco Skull Gear clothing line,
the New York racer will fulfill his dream of competing in
the nitro ranks. He will keep driving his Mustang Pro Mod
also.
"I want to be clear that I am committed to my Pro
Mod career. I think the class is great and my priority remains
to stay focused on defending our championship. Pro Mod is
in my future for the long term." Ashley added, "I'll
drive two cars and have twice the fun."
The "Nitro Attitude" Funny Car will debut at
NHRA's U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis, with additional appearances
at the Dallas and Las Vegas national events. [6-7-2005]
LARRY CARRIER SUCCUMBS
As if the Carrier Boyz didn't have their hands full negotiating
the Connolly-Torco deal, their father, drag racing pioneer,
Larry Carrier passed away early Tuesday morning, June 7.
More info as it becomes available. [6-7-2005]
