Kyle Michalek Gains A/fuel Dragster License Upgrade
Becomes the first MBR driver eligible to compete in the NHRA’s fastest semi-professional class of racing
Kyle’s first full run in an A/fuel dragster took him straight into the 250mph club.
A new era has arrived for Michalek Brothers Racing. Kyle Michalek entered uncharted territory for the team this past weekend while commanding the wheel of a 3,500 horsepower racecar. Kyle earned his NHRA A/fuel dragster competition license while navigating the historic 1/4 mile of Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis.
On a weekend with weather conditions all over the map, Kyle worked with car owner Anthony Dicero towards the common goal of getting the car down the track quick enough to meet the NHRA’s Top Alcohol Dragster license requirements. After successful early-shutoff shakedown runs to near half track on Thursday, Kyle kept the hammer down on Friday afternoon through the finish line to record a 5.508 second elapsed time at over 263 MPH, far exceeding the elapsed time and speed requirements necessary to upgrade his license. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Kyle explains what it was like to step up to an A/fuel dragster.
“Driving an A/fuel dragster was unlike anything I have ever experienced. The car launches incredibly hard and keeps charging the entire quarter mile.”
“Driving a Super Comp car provided good experience to prepare for this opportunity; however, when you make it to the finish line 3 seconds sooner and over 100 MPH faster it really gets your attention! I appreciate Anthony Dicero’s help and his willingness to work with MBR as I make the transition into the Top Alcohol Dragster class.”
Michalek Brothers Racing driver Kyle Michalek burns out at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis prior to completing his A/fuel dragster license upgrade. (Photo credit: Steve Fuhrman)
Now that one of MBR’s drivers is licensed to compete in an A/fuel dragster, the team is eagerly looking forward to its first 2013 race at the NHRA Division 3 LODRS North Central Regional Cavalcade of Stars event May 17-19. Kyle will again be behind the wheel and this will be the first time that he competes for an NHRA event win in an injected-nitro dragster.
“I am looking forward to getting back in the racecar and going head-to-head with some of the best Top Alcohol Dragster programs in the country at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. This is our home racetrack which makes it even more exciting to have family and friends come out to the track to cheer on MBR as we try to go rounds and shake things up in the Top Alcohol Dragster class,” said Kyle.
MBR would again like to recognize that none of this would have been possible without the generous support of our partners from Federal Mogul: Champion Spark Plugs, Fel-Pro, Sealed Power, and Speed Pro.
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