Furr Racing: The Man Behind the Driver

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Tue, 29 Dec 2015, 10:42 AM

Furr Racing: The Man Behind the Driver

Courtesy of Lisa Collier

GALAX, Va. --

For Rick and Michelle Furr, racing is a full family affair. However, their setup is a unique one in that everyone in the family pilots a drag car, except Rick. And while his role is perhaps the least visible, Michelle is quick to point out that Rick is crucial to the team's success. Michelle and their two children, Madilyn and Adiayn have all earned trophies during their careers. Michelle has numerous wins in the Top Dragster, 8.90 and 10.90 categories, as well as bracket events. She made three final round appearances this year alone: the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals (Super Comp) NHRA LODRS St. Louis Division 3 event (Super Street) and the NHRA LODRS Bristol Division 2 event (Super Street). The kids are honing their skills in Junior Dragsters before moving into full bodied cars. Running up to four cars in as many classes calls for a valiant crew, making the man behind the driver a key piece of the puzzle.

Rick suffered an injury in early 2011 that left him with chronic pain. He has hammered through to continue pushing Michelle, Madilyn and Adiayn to pursue their dreams. Unfortunately, the last few years the Furrs have had to narrow down their typical 40-50 race schedule.

"He does it for me," Michelle said of Rick's support. "I appreciate his sacrifice more than he'll ever know. It's amazing how he pushes through his pain each and every day. Not only could I not do this without him, I wouldn't even want to. My success on the track is a reflection of all his hard work behind the scenes. Those trophies belong to him as much as to me."

Despite running a limited schedule the past few seasons, the Furrs have managed to continue adding to their success at high profile events. A new treatment in line for Rick, including surgery later this month, promises some relief from his pain, which means Furr Racing will be back full throttle for the 2016 season, beginning with the NHRA LODRS Division 2 event at Auto-Plus Raceway in Gainesville, Florida, March 9-13.

"We're very excited for the 2016 season," added Michelle. "Drag racing is more than just a part of our lives. It's a part of us. The time we get to spend together as family means so much. And then, of course, the friends that are like family at the racetrack become just as much a part of our lives. We love everything about racing from the competition to the people to our sponsors. This is why we keep at it year after year."

Furr Racing is partnered with numerous companies including Ohio Crankshaft, Quick Fuel Technology, K&N Filters, Lucas Oil, Moroso, Moser Engineering, Comp Cams, Wiseco, Auto Meter, SuperWinch, JEGS, NitroPlate, Hooker Headers, Starett, PTC, Abruzzi Transmissions, Goodyear Tires, Earl's Plumbing, Quarter Pro, Computech, Melling, Hawk Performance, Shields Premier Windscreens, Jesel, Racer's Choice Inc, Maradyne, Smith Brothers Push Rods, Turbostart, Powermaster, Collector Tethers, Brodix, Alto-Red Eagle, MotorMilePerformance.com.

"We're proud to represent so many companies that have strong family values, just like us. We've truly been really blessed with companies and the families behind those companies investing in our family and our program."

"It's incredible to think about where we've come as a family and as a race team," continued Michelle. "We've overcome a lot of adversity over the years, had a lot of great success and made memories that will last a lifetime. Seeing how much Rick has supported me when it's especially hard for him to do gives me even more motivation to make his sacrifice pay off on the track. Now that we are planning to be back on for a full tour in 2016, I think we'll be unstoppable."