Fri, 19 Dec 2003, 10:45 AM John Mitchell Racing to Run Full IHRA Circuit

And Limited NHRA Races for 2004

ENNIS, Mont. -- John Mitchell and his familiar Montana Express team whom has been a top ten finisher in the NHRA points standings for the past few years will run the entire IHRA circuit and a limited number of NHRA events in 2004.

Mitchell has also named Steve Hamilton the newest up and coming driver to pilot his Top Fuel Dragster.

Steve Hamilton, “I’m pleased to be driving for John Mitchell in 2004. Mitchell who is known for his Montana Express cars is also known with driver “Aussie” Dave Grubnick. But what few racing fans know is, Mitchell also started the careers of Top Fuel World Champion Larry Dixon and his current teammate Ron Capps, Funny Car World Champion Tony Pedregon, and Frank Pedregon. John is allowing me to handle not only the driving but also the team’s marketing as well, that way there will be no limits as to how far this team goes in marketing our sponsor’s products and services. Joining John’s team will allow me the opportunity to receive much more seat time and experience, as we plan to do a lot of testing over the next couple of months. This will also help me to better develop as a driver.

John is positioning the team to contend for the IHRA championship in 2004. All of the equipment and pieces are in place and we intend to do what it takes to win. We will run the entire IHRA circuit and limited NHRA events for 2004 including the second Chicago race ( Steve’s hometown).

I believe between John’s dedication as a team owner, his talented crew and my ambition to achieve some lofty goals on a race team that shares my vision, we will have a very successful program in 2004.

We have secured many associate partners, and are finalizing our major as this is being released. I want to thank Goodyear, Fram, Autolite, Amalie Oil, ARP, MSD, Promotion Motorsports, Fresh Air Systems, and all of my other sponsors that have supported my efforts to move into the Top Fuel ranks. We are also aggressively putting together some very interesting programs that will open some eyes in 2004.”

John Mitchell, “I have worked with Steve for the past few months and see that he has the drive and the determination to make this program work. I believe he will become one of our sports best assets and will help take our team to a championship and the sport to the next level. He wants to win and be part of a team that can win championships.

I have developed new drivers before and their careers speak for themselves. Steve will do the same. We are ready for the 2004 and look forward to having a successful year.

IHRA has grown and their program seems to be exciting. We are excited to be a part of a growing program and hope to lead the way. I am pulling out all of the stops and want to win the IHRA Top Fuel championship title in 2004.”

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