Sat, 15 Nov 2008, 11:24 AM Jim Dunn Racing Announces Jerry Toliver to Drive CANIDAE All Natural Pet Foods Chevrolet

Courtesy of Jim Dunn Racing Photos Courtesy of James Drew Photography

POMONA, Calif. -- Funny Car in 2009

Dunn and Toliver

Jim Dunn Racing announced today that Funny Car veteran Jerry Toliver has been named the driver of the CANIDAER All Natural Pet Foods Chevrolet for the 2009 NHRA Full Throttle season.

"Jerry is a terrific competitor who races for the same reason I do, and that's because he loves it," said team owner and crew chief Jim Dunn. "He's been competing a long time and does everything he can to get the car to the end of the track in one piece. We think a lot alike when it comes to racing the car, and everyone on this team is looking forward to welcoming Jerry aboard for 2009."

Toliver is a five-time national-event winner in the NHRA Funny Car category. The California native has two top-10 finishes with his best season coming in 2000 when he won three national events, advanced to seven final-round appearances and ended the year third in the points standings. Toliver was named the Car Craft magazine "Person of the Year" in 2000 for his contributions to the sport of drag racing, and his last victory was in 2004 when he won the NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club of Southern California Raceway. Toliver's very first career victory was at this event, the Auto Club of Southern California NHRA Finals, in 1999.

"I've known Jim for a long time," Toliver said. "He is an icon of the sport and someone that is respected by everyone in the pits. Working with Jim is something I've wanted to do for a long time."

Bartone, Toliver & Dunn

Toliver will be replacing Tony Bartone, who is leaving the team to spend more time with his family. The well-liked Bartone, who has raced nearly everything on four wheels, and was the 1996 Lucas Oil Alcohol Funny Car champion, gave the Canidae Racing team one of its 2008 season highlights when he won the Schuck's Auto Supply Nationals at Seattle on July 20.

"I've truly enjoyed working with Jim Dunn and the entire CANIDAE Pet Foods team and wish them nothing but success next year," Bartone said. "We've had a great run here, and a lot of good times and Jerry's going to do a terrific job in the car."

Canidae All Natural Pet Foods is a leading manufacturer of super premium dog and cat foods and is committed to providing its valued customers and their pets with the highest standard of excellence for product quality, palatability and customer satisfaction. The company stands behind the guaranteed analysis of each and every one of its products and invites NHRA fans to discover the benefits of feeding their pets CANIDAE and FELIDAE All Natural Pet Foods.

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