Lee Callaway Belle Rose wrap up

Callaway scores first Funny Car win at No Problem

BELLE ROSE, La. - Former NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster Division 4 Champion Lee Callaway scored his first win in the Top Alcohol Funny Car division during this past weekend's Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series opener at No Problem Raceway just outside of New Orleans. In the three outings Callaway has made to the southern Louisiana track since it's inception in 2002, he has won seven of eight rounds competed, while team Crew Chief Jackie Stidham has yet to be defeated at the track, winning twice as a driver and now once as a tuner.

Callaway, from Baytown, Texas, had quite a few obstacles to overcome on his way to the winner's circle. Once arriving at the track, Callaway's father Dickie along with Stidham became ill and were limited in action. The team also had to overcome a shortage in tires which made them run old tires from last year.

Nonetheless, Callaway qualified the Callaway, Thompson & Stidham '07 Mustang second in the field with a 5.795 second elapsed time at 249.07 mph. In round one he defeated Shayne Lawson with a 5.931 at 242.23 mph, then took out former Division 4 Champ Jimmy Jones in the semi's with a 5.889 at 245.32 mph.

Callaway's final round opponent would be the defending Division 4 Champ, Australian native Steve Harker. Harker's entry lost fire after the burnout, giving Callaway a solo to the winner's circle. Not to let the large crowd in attendance down, Callaway made a full pass to the tune of 5.875 at 245.05 mph.

"We didn't run as well as we would have liked, but a win's a win," said Callaway. "We got some breaks today, but there have been plenty of days where we didn't get any breaks. We had to overcome quite a bit to get the win. First off, my dad and Jackie could hardly get out of bed they were so sick with the flu. We sat out the second qualifier because of that. Secondly, they were out of new tires when we got to the track on Thursday, so we were forced to run 24 run tires that we bought last March."

"In the end we ended up getting our picture taken Sunday night, so that's all that matters," Callaway continued. "We have a lot of good cars in Division 4, so it's going to be a battle all year. I'm really glad we could put the car in the winner's circle for my sponsors James and Carla Thompson of Pepper Express Racing, Royce Homes, Brothers Performance Differentials, Cal-Trans Trucking, San Angel Trading and InsideTopAlcohol.com."

The next event for the Callaway, Thompson & Stidham team will be at Callaway's home track, the O'Reilly Spring Nationals, Mar. 28-30. For the latest news in alcohol racing, log on to InsideTopAlcohol.com.

Contact: Will Hanna/ Pro Race Communications
Email: Will.Hanna@InsideTopAlcohol.com