Volume X, Issue 7, Page 34

McMillen has a grand time at Grand Bend

Canadian racers dominate A/FC class

Words by Jeff Burk with contributions by Mike Perry/IHRA and Brad Turk
Photos by Brad Turk and Steve Embling
7/23/2008

For the second straight event weather played a significant part at a Canadian IHRA national event. At Grand Bend the traditional

“I’m just the nut behind the wheel.”
-- Terry McMillen

Saturday Night of Fire was washed out forcing an all-pro class show on Sunday and when rain once again fell Sunday night the sportsman racers were forced to


(Steve Embling photo)
hang around until Monday morning to finish the event. When it wasn’t raining the conditions were hot (near 100 degrees), humid, and uncomfortable, keeping the crew chiefs and drivers busy and, at least towards the end of Sunday eliminations, the fans at home.

Despite the conditions the fans were treated to some outstanding performances including a first-ever all-Canadian Alcohol Funny Car final and a new Top Fuel track speed record from Terry McMillen.

TOP FUEL

Terry McMillen was not satisfied with one Ironman as a driver and team owner. After watching Paul Noakes claim the Alcohol Funny Car championship driving McMillen’s former mount, the Amalie Oil “InstiGator,” McMillen figured he might as well make it a double. He knocked off rookie-of-the-year


Terry McMillen was one happy camper. (Brad Turk photo)
candidate Spencer Massey in the Top Fuel final round to put a second Hoosier Thunder Motorsports car in the winner’s circle at Canada’s Grand Bend Motorplex.

McMillen (Elkhart, IN) defeated Texan Spencer Massey in the Top Fuel final while Noakes knocked off Larry Dobbs in the AFC class. Noakes drives the car McMillen left behind when he stepped into a Top Fueler, a car McMillen never took to the winner’s circle.

“What a weekend…this is something you can just dream about,” McMillen said. “Getting both cars to the finals was a goal, to be fortunate enough to have both cars win is really amazing.”

“My hat is off to Les Mellows, Paul’s crew chief, and his entire crew for what they were able to accomplish this weekend,” McMillen said. “I also have to give the credit to my team here and the entire gang at the shop back home. (Crew Chief) Doug Kuch gave us the power and all my guys busted their butts and they never gave up their faith in this team. And here we are. They deserve all the credit, I’m just the nut behind the wheel.”

McMillen re-set the track speed record, which had been held by Clay Millican for two years recording a 322.43 speed n his first elimination of Kevin Jones. He ran a 4.867 at 278.52 mph in the final to top Massey’s tire-spinning 5.393/201.43 pass.

About the track record McMillen said,  “Setting the track record was almost as big for me as winning the race. I’ve never set a record before and I really was thrilled to do that.”