The Jerry Maddern Racing Top Alcohol Dragster team is on their way to Chicago. They have a full
tank of gas, its dark, they're wearing sunglasses and they will 'hit it' this weekend at the NHRA
United Association Route 66 Nationals held in Joliet, Illinois.
Needless to say, the fun loving Peen-Rite sponsored team intends to be 'on top of their game' this
weekend during a very special event for the Sunland, CA based group.
"Chicago is a huge deal for us," said driver Chris Demke, who along with his wife Arlette
celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary on Wednesday. "This race is unique, as we have earned
the right to compete not only in the National Event on a very fast track, but also the Jeg's
All-Star race held on Saturday."
Demke is confident with the weather and track conditions they are forecasting for this weekend, the
Jerry Maddern tuned dragster can return to 5.20 elapsed time zone they ran earlier this season. He
also knows the competition will be just as quick. "We gathered some great run data this past
weekend in Topeka, however Route 66 raceway is historically a very fast track," stated Demke. "I
think we can plug in our Pomona tune-up and be ready to race up against a great field of
competition."
Demke will not be the only 'person' on board his 260 mile per hour dragster in Chicago. Second
grader Katie Rogers' 'Fast Stanley' from Grand Rapids, MI, who has ridden this season with Jack
Beckman, Mike Edwards, Jeff Arend, Tim Wilkerson and even Ed 'the Outlaw' Jones, will be Demke's
co-pilot. "I am looking forward to having 'Fast Stanley' hang out with the Circus Clowns this
weekend," Demke said. "The Flat Stanley project http://www.flatstanley.com is a great teaching tool for children and
anything we can do to help teach children the fine art of letter writing is a positive."
The Flat Stanley project founder, Dr. Dale Hubert is also very happy with the NHRA community
embracing the project he began in 1995. "Even after all these years I'm amazed at the way people
open their hearts to the little flat guy," stated Dr. Hubert.
Demke, Fast Stanley and the Maddern Racing team will have three attempts to qualify for this
weekend's event beginning on Friday at 12:30pm. The second session is scheduled to begin at 4:30pm.
A final qualifying session will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 am.
For tickets please visit Route 66's website @ http://www.route66raceway.com or call them @: 815-727-RACE (7223);
888-629-RACE (7223)
Keep up to date with up to the minute race results on http://http://www.dragracecentral.com
