Whiteley, from Grand Junction, Colo., has enjoyed over a month off from racing his trusty Norm Grimes tuned Top Alcohol Dragster. However, he hasn't been idle racing. He attended a Division 6 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event in Boise, Id., three weeks ago where he drove the team's Top Sportsman '63 Corvette while his wife Annie and her twin sister Anita Olsen competed in Top Dragster. He's also competed locally at a couple of bracket races. Whiteley cites returning to some grass roots racing has recharged his racing batteries.

"We went up there and ran the girl's cars and I ran the Top Sportsman car," said Whiteley. "We also have run a couple of local bracket races. It was a hoot. I forgot how much fun that kind of racing can be. It's much more relaxed. When we're out racing the alcohol car, every little move counts when you're racing for championships. It was nice just to go out there, drive a fast hot rod and have some fun without all the worries of points."

Despite enjoying the time off, Whiteley is ready to return to the helm of the world's fastest blown alcohol dragster.

"Topeka has been good to us in the past, so hopefully we can rekindle some of that magic," stated Whiteley. "We've had some up's and down's this year to say the least. Last year we kind of got on a roll and made a good run. Hopefully we can start another run this weekend."

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars with two sessions, followed by one final session Saturday morning. Eliminations begin with round one Saturday afternoon and final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday.

For more information on the team, visit their website at http://www.YNotRacing.com

Courtesy of Will Hanna