Tue, 28 Aug 2007, 10:56 PM Lagana Set for Indy Debut With Family Car

Courtesy of Bobby Lagana Jr.

CLERMONT, Ind. -- 2007 has been somewhat of a roller coaster year for Bobby Lagana Jr. The team started the year off with an aluminum-sacrificing run that ultimately got them qualified for the first race. Following that was a runner-up performance and a few more parts eating races and then ultimately another ironman at the last stop on the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam series. Now the team finds themselves in a very different position then ever, the team will be heading to Indy for the U.S. Nationals. Lagana is not new to the Indy mystique, but never has he ventured there in his family and friends owned Top Fuel Car. "My Dad raced at Indy in 1966 but that was with an A-gas car called the American Challenge, this will be the first time a Twilight Zone nitro car will be run at Indy."

You might wonder why would Lagana venture to NHRA for the toughest race of the year, in the middle of the closest IHRA points battle in his career. "It's pretty simple Evan Knoll and Torco Race Fuels have asked us to go, to be honest with you just the phone call was one of the biggest honors in my racing career. I know qualifying will be tough, but we have some new parts and a renewed feeling of confidence. Our goal for the weekend is to make sure we look professional for Evan and also for representing the IHRA, then to go out and run to the best of our ability. For one of the first times in my racing career we have the parts to back up our goals. And lastly I want all my family, crew, sponsors, and all who help make this car go put a smile on their face because we are at INDY!!! I really want to thank Evan and the entire Torco gang for supporting us, and also to all my long time supporters you know who you are, THANK YOU!!!"

Indy will be the second stop for Lagana on the NHRA series, the team also is planning on running the Torco Race Fuels sponsored race in Dinwiddie, VA, and potentially one more NHRA race. Other than that Lagana will be concentrating on bringing home another Ironman on the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Series.

About Bobby Lagana Racing
Bobby Lagana Jr. is in his ninth year of competition in the International Hot Rod Association's Top Fuel class. Following in the footsteps of his father, noted Funny Car pilot Bob Lagana, he began driving professionally at the age of 19 and enjoyed his most successful season last year. In 2006 Lagana Jr. won two of the 11 IHRA national events, in Grand Bend, Ontario and Epping, New Hampshire, eventually finishing third in world championship points standings. Following the season he was awarded IHRA's most prestigious award, the IHRA Sportsman of the Year, at the season-ending champion's banquet in Greensboro , N.C. His Crew Chief, Jay Lewis, also was honored at the champion's banquet, being selected as IHRA Professional Crew Chief of the Year. Lagana's primary sponsors are Torco Racing Fuels, Pelham Lumber and Skull Shine, an industrial-strength cleaning product that is part of Michigan-based fuel magnate Evan Knoll's line of racing and automobile-related products. For more information about Skull Shine or Torco Racing Fuels, visit the company's website at www.torco.com. Lagana also has associate sponsorship from Tom Stephens racing, Eric "Lippy," Bryant Neville Racing, Lichenstein Motorsports, RMI Titanium, Innovative Machine and Powertech Generators. Product sponsors of Lagana include Fram, Autolite, Prestone, Howards Cams, Lucas Oil, Storm Crankshaft, Beechwood Autobody, TJ & Rich, Coastal Utilities, Mr. Sign, and Walter Hasselman. For more information about Bobby Lagana Jr. and his Twilight Zone Top Fuel team, visit www.bobbylagana.com.

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