Lee Callaway Houston preview

Callaway hoping for home track advantage

BAYTOWN, Texas – Former NHRA Division 4 Champion Lee Callaway and his Royce Homes/Pepper Express Racing backed Top Alcohol Funny Car team will be looking to work some hometown magic during this weekend’s Division 4 Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event at Houston Raceway Park. Callaway enters the event tied for second in Division 4 standings.

Callaway, who lives within earshot of the track in Baytown, has had quite the task preparing for his hometown event. He is quick to credit the hard work of his team and some help from parts manufacturers.

“It’s been a lot of work getting ready for this weekend,” said Callaway. “If it wasn’t for the hours that my dad Dickie, Stacy McLemore and Terry Sanders all put in at the shop, there’s no way we would be ready. We hurt one motor at the Houston national event, then hurt another motor at the Dallas divisional. I have to thank the guys out at Brad Anderson Enterprises for working hard to get me a block back in time to race this weekend. There are some parts back-ordered for my other block, so we’ll just have to race in ‘Barney Fife’ mode again this weekend: one bullet.”

“We won’t have a blower until Friday,” Callaway continued. “Kevin Cantrell worked real hard to get our blower turned around quick. We are looking forward to seeing what his work with the blower will do. I know he’s worked on a lot of the fast guys’ blowers, so hopefully it will step us up.”

As always with the Callaway, Thompson & Stidham team, regardless of the work, the team plans to have a good time doing it. Along with entertaining local family and friends at the track, the Royce Homes/Pepper Express Racing team has booked in local rock band Soul Junkies to play Saturday evening after qualifying.

“We go racing to win and have a good time doing it,” Callaway explained. “It’s too much money and too much work not to. I think that’s why myself and my partners this year – James and Carla Thompson and Jackie Stidham, all get along so well. We’re all hard core racers. When it’s time to race, you won’t find anyone more serious about it than us. We apply that same mind set to having a good time over the weekend, too.”

“Make no mistake,” Callaway added. “Our number one goal is to have our pictures taken in the winner’s circle Sunday evening. We also want to make a good showing for our sponsors Royce Homes, James and Carla Thompson's Pepper Express Racing, Cal-Trans Trucking, Pyle Brothers, San Angel Trading and InsideTopAlcohol.com.”

Qualifying begins on Friday for the alcohol cars, with two more sessions on Saturday. Final eliminations will conclude the event on Sunday. Stay tuned to InsideTopAlcohol.com for the latest news in alcohol racing.

About Royce Builders:
Royce Builders is one of the most successful home building companies in the nation. Royce Builders ranks among the top 30 privately held builders in the United States and stands firm as one of Metroplex's most respected. With nearly 20,000 satisfied residents living in Royce Builders homes, our track record speaks volumes. To find a home that fits your lifestyle, visit www.RoyceBuilders.com

For the latest news in alcohol racing, log on to InsideTopAlcohol.com

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