NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series

Photos and story © 2005 Dwight Drum
Web work by Gary Larsen

Driver, Mac Tools Top Fuel Dragster

“Maybe after I’ve won 13 times like John Force, maybe it will change.”

Not all of the thunder, vibration, thrust and excitement of NHRA POWERade drag racing transfers from the track to TV. Audio and video can capture the fire, rumble, the takeoff and the duel at the win light, but to feel the power and taste the singed air that Top Fuel dragsters produce, almost requires a seat in the stands. That seat includes a pit pass so fans can line up at the ropes while crews prepare motors for more speed and rounds. Doug Kalitta is a Top Fuel pilot with many wins because of his competitive spirit and fixed determination. The Kalitta team has a long NHRA history with veteran Connie Kalitta at he helm. Look for the Kalitta name in the win column during the 2005 season and beyond.

Time: 2005 NHRA POWERade preseason
Place: Long distance telephone call

Dwight asked Doug Kalitta:

“I’m obviously very optimistic. Especially the last couple years, I’m optimistic that we can maybe get the POWERade championship this year in the Top Fuel class.”

“I think probably just a will to win. Just being the hungriest guy out there.”

“I guess you can have the will to win and still not be able to win. I’d have to admit with drag racing, it’s probably – you’ve got to have yourself a good team with the ability to stick t the program. Probably more than any motorsports, obviously you can’t make it up in the next turn. With drag racing without a good team you’re going to have a tough time. I think experience has helped me more than anything with the team and crew chief and being able to adapt to different conditions.”

“Just the opportunity to get out there and having the confidence that your team can get out there and win races.”

“I got my first opportunity in 98, probably after the first year of doing it. Having Connie Kalitta backing the effort – my effort. He’s a great guy to have on your team. After 98.”

“Probably how a guy like me relies on such a good team behind us. It’s very competitive with our class. It’s very competitive and mechanically driven, our vehicles with the timers, clutch application, the fuel and everything else that goes along with it. It’s awesome to have it all come together in order to have a good run. I appreciate my team very much.”

“My favorite moment really is any time you win a national event, so far for me. They don’t come easy. Anytime you can get the winner’s trophy at the end of the say. That’s certainly been mine.”

“You know we’re definitely very motivated and very persistent to be there for the opportunity to win the championship in our class. Maybe after I’ve won 13 times like John Force, maybe it will change then, but I guess as long as you enjoy what you’re doing it stays fun. Hopefully I’ll keep my positive attitude. ”

“It’s kind of driven all around the atmosphere of the team, if we’re going rounds. Certainly as you progress through the day on Sunday or even through the week on qualifying. If your car is running good, you tend to be more on your game. Just getting in there and qualifying good. One thing about drag racing, it has its highs and lows, maybe not more than any other racing, but still you’re doing really good to not be poking the tires all in one day. I think you have to kind of stay humble. Anything can happen.”

“I’m not sure. Maybe it’s just enjoying what I do and wanting to succeed. If you don’t do well you’ve got a lot of guys that rely on you so as much as I rely on them. I look at it as just a good team effort. Win the race and have a shot at the points and keep everybody motivated towards our goal of winning the championship, trying to be a part of the group. ”

“I’m excited to start the year. We’ve got a great group of people behind our whole team. I look to have a good year, good competition and hope we can pull out a championship.”