From Michelle Petroff
BELLEVILLE, IL (July 20, 2006) – Hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to quarter-mile drag strips like that of nearby Gateway International Raceway each year but few ever consider putting it all on the line. And even fewer yet attempt to tame the 7000+ horsepower, fire-breathing NHRA Funny Cars; but every once in a while, someone new steps up to the daunting task of making it to the pros.
Earlier this month, a lively 28-year-old Metro East entrepreneur, Allan Middendorf, successfully completed all licensing requirements for the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series’ Funny Car division. Middendorf earned his stripes with final passes at the infamous Paul Smith’s Drag Racing School under the watchful eye of drag racing legend Smith. The Illinois-native is now poised as an emerging talent in the full-throttle sport and could even become the youngest Funny Car wheelman in the series if a ride is secured.
The hotshoe’s start in drag racing is storybook. A former AMA Motocross champion with over two dozen wins under his belt, Middendorf didn’t rise through the amateur drag racing ranks in a sport prevalent with family and generational ties. The relative ‘outsider’ never even experienced a drag race until a trip to the 2002 “Sears Craftsman Nationals” at Gateway International Raceway. That first experience consisted of casually lounging in a hospitality suite when the rumble and fury of Gary Scelzi’s Top Fuel Funny Car pass amazed the wonder-eyed thrill seeker. He declared to those around him, “I will drive one of those some day.”
True to his word, the self-motivated real estate investor outlined the course of action necessary to achieve his goal and steadily reached many milestones in a few short years. Starting at the prestigious Frank Hawley Drag Racing School to earn his Super Comp license to working with the alcohol teams of Bob Newberry and Randy Meyer, Middendorf kept his eyes and ears open and foot on the pedal learning as much as he can from the gracious industry veterans who mentored him.
In 2005, he received his Top Alcohol Dragster license, yet another feather in his cap, but it was still the floppers that fueled his passion for the sport. Using other competitors’ cars over the course of the past year, Middendorf completed numerous successful passes and now boasts a highly coveted NHRA Funny Car competitors’ license.
"Earning my Funny Car license is a big step for me," said Middendorf. "In just a few short years, I did everything I could to make my dream come true. I am eager to start an exciting new chapter in my life within NHRA and I am certainly open to any opportunities that may come my way since now I am just as focused and determined to earn a ride. Four years ago I was sitting in a suite just talking about it. Hopefully people now understand how dedicated I am to see this through because there’s no backing down."
Speaking of Middendorf’s racing prowess, Smith declared, “The kid did a good job. My son Mike worked with him and he did everything he was told. He went straight down the track and made good passes. Allan is young and determined. I'd say he has a good future as a Funny Car driver."
Fast, focused and determined, Allan Middendorf is looking forward to a new life in the fast lane.
BELLEVILLE, IL (July 20, 2006) – Hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to quarter-mile drag strips like that of nearby Gateway International Raceway each year but few ever consider putting it all on the line. And even fewer yet attempt to tame the 7000+ horsepower, fire-breathing NHRA Funny Cars; but every once in a while, someone new steps up to the daunting task of making it to the pros.
Earlier this month, a lively 28-year-old Metro East entrepreneur, Allan Middendorf, successfully completed all licensing requirements for the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series’ Funny Car division. Middendorf earned his stripes with final passes at the infamous Paul Smith’s Drag Racing School under the watchful eye of drag racing legend Smith. The Illinois-native is now poised as an emerging talent in the full-throttle sport and could even become the youngest Funny Car wheelman in the series if a ride is secured.
The hotshoe’s start in drag racing is storybook. A former AMA Motocross champion with over two dozen wins under his belt, Middendorf didn’t rise through the amateur drag racing ranks in a sport prevalent with family and generational ties. The relative ‘outsider’ never even experienced a drag race until a trip to the 2002 “Sears Craftsman Nationals” at Gateway International Raceway. That first experience consisted of casually lounging in a hospitality suite when the rumble and fury of Gary Scelzi’s Top Fuel Funny Car pass amazed the wonder-eyed thrill seeker. He declared to those around him, “I will drive one of those some day.”
True to his word, the self-motivated real estate investor outlined the course of action necessary to achieve his goal and steadily reached many milestones in a few short years. Starting at the prestigious Frank Hawley Drag Racing School to earn his Super Comp license to working with the alcohol teams of Bob Newberry and Randy Meyer, Middendorf kept his eyes and ears open and foot on the pedal learning as much as he can from the gracious industry veterans who mentored him.
In 2005, he received his Top Alcohol Dragster license, yet another feather in his cap, but it was still the floppers that fueled his passion for the sport. Using other competitors’ cars over the course of the past year, Middendorf completed numerous successful passes and now boasts a highly coveted NHRA Funny Car competitors’ license.
"Earning my Funny Car license is a big step for me," said Middendorf. "In just a few short years, I did everything I could to make my dream come true. I am eager to start an exciting new chapter in my life within NHRA and I am certainly open to any opportunities that may come my way since now I am just as focused and determined to earn a ride. Four years ago I was sitting in a suite just talking about it. Hopefully people now understand how dedicated I am to see this through because there’s no backing down."
Speaking of Middendorf’s racing prowess, Smith declared, “The kid did a good job. My son Mike worked with him and he did everything he was told. He went straight down the track and made good passes. Allan is young and determined. I'd say he has a good future as a Funny Car driver."
Fast, focused and determined, Allan Middendorf is looking forward to a new life in the fast lane.
