Middendorf earns Funny Car license at Paul Smith's Drag Racing School (1 Viewer)

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Middendorf earns Funny Car license at Paul Smith's Drag Racing School

Belleville, Ill., July 8, 2006: A new name has emerged on The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing scene. Allan Middendorf, 28, has recently completed the requirements to receive his Funny Car license. Middendorf attended Paul Smith's Drag Racing School last week and made his final passes, earning him his NHRA competition license.

"Earning my Funny Car license is a big step for me," said Middendorf. "In just a few short years, I did everything I could to make my dream come true. Now I feel more confident and I can move on and explore the opportunities that are in my future."

A former motocross superstar, Middendorf is a newcomer to drag racing. In 2002, as a guest in a suite at the 6th annual Sears Craftsman Nationals, he watched Funny Car Champion, Gary Scelzi race, and announced to those around him that he would drive a Funny Car some day. Later that year, he attended Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, earning his Super Comp license. Middendorf then worked for several alcohol teams, including Bob Newberry and Randy Meyer. In 2005, he licensed in a Top Alcohol Dragster and had the honor of having Tom Conway and the late Shelley Howard sign his license. In the past year, Middendorf began his Funny Car licensing requirements by making passes using some team's cars. And last weekend, he made the trip to Florida and had well-known Funny Car guru, Paul Smith, and his son Mike, work with him through the final stages of his licensing requirements.

"The kid did a good job," said Smith. "My son Mike worked with him and he did everything he was told. He went straight down the track and made good passes. Allan is young and determined, and I'd say he has a good future as a Funny Car driver."

"Going to Paul's school was a great experience," said Middendorf. "He and Mike worked closely with me. They helped me focus and concentrate and now I feel more comfortable in the cockpit. They certainly are good at what they do."

Middendorf, a real estate investor from Belleville, Ill. has a long and star-studded career as a motocross racer. At the age of 11, he saved enough money from cutting grass to buy his first motocross bike. In his decade long career, Middendorf earned 26 wins and three championships. He plans to use the same drive and determination that helped him excel in Motocross in the competitive world of Funny Car.

"I was so ready to make this huge leap in my racing career," said Middendorf, "and I'm glad that I did it. I am eager to start an exciting new chapter in my life in NHRA. It would be great to find a ride with a team, even if it was only for Monday testing. And I am certainly open to any possibilities that may come my way."
 
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