Wed, 19 Oct 2005, 02:29 PM Powers Extends Relationship with 84 Lumber for another Race

Courtesy of Hillary Burke

HOUSTON -- After a big weekend in Dallas, Top Fuel team owner David Powers will continue racing under the 84 Lumber banner for this weekend's fifth annual ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals, extending the relationship between his team and 84 Lumber to two NHRA national events.

The building industry giant first supported the DavidPowersHomes.com/Valvoline team Oct. 7-9 at the Castrol Fall Nationals in Dallas. It was at that event that driver "Hot Rod" Fuller posted his first 4.4-second pass en route to a semifinal finish and a berth in the POWERade top team. Fuller and Co. accomplished all this despite the fact that the Powers' team has raced in just 13 of 21 events this year.

"This has been a fantastic year for 84 Lumber and developing the affiliation with David Powers and his race team has been very exciting and motivating for everyone involved," said Mike Damiato, 84 Lumber's store manager in Las Vegas. "We're all extremely excited about this weekend."

A former star in the Top Fuel and Funny Car ranks, Powers now builds custom homes in the Greater Houston area. His business already had a strong relationship with 84 Lumber that has now transcended to the drag strip.

Fuller is having a breakthrough season in NHRA competition with the support of David Powers Homes. After a nine-race trail stint in Top Fuel in the mid-'90s, the sportsman all-star finally got another chance at his dream job this season. He's already produced big numbers, riding decorated crew chief Lee Beard's tune-up to his first win at the professional level two months ago in Memphis, Tenn. He also has two runner-up finishes on the year and a respectable 15-12 race day record.

"The first Las Vegas race [in mid-April] I was so nervous and everything was so new, I don't think we performed up to our capabilities," said Fuller, 34, who lives in Las Vegas. "This time we're coming in with a car we know can win the race."

"I barely invited any of my friends out last time because I didn't want to add to the anxiety. Now I want them all to come because I'm confident we're in for a big weekend. This is my home town and I plan to be totally on my game. Lee Beard has this car running so strong right now that our entire team feels very confident."

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