Friday, June 7, 2013

The Spark Is Back




Dickie Venables (DragRaceCentral.com)
Having gone thru a winless 2012 season, FC Champ Matt Hagan and DSR were determined to see a turnaround. With the hiring of Champion Crew Chief DickieVenables, 2 victories this season at both the ZMax 4-Wide Nationals and the recent Toyota SummerNationals have helped to return the 2011 Mello Yello Champ to front runner status. " Dickie and the Magnetti Marelli/Rocky Boots team have put together a great set up on the car that runs well in all types of weather conditions, the team has done a phenomenal job so far this season, working together and getting along very well."  Venables' methodical approach to preparation has everyone on the team focused. "The cars' performance has shown itself to be much improved, which speaks to how prepared everyone on the team is for race day. Those aspects are a testament to how focused our team is, which leaves me to focus on the driving, having the confidence that every time we step up to the line, the team will give us a great capable of winning."

     
The Magnetti Marelli Team (Courtesy of DodgeForum.com)
It is never easy, at any time, during the finals to win an event, in any class. That is something that Matt can attest to." It seems to matter not where a particular funny car qualifies. With myself having won from the 14th position, it means that any car is capable of winning on sunday." Though facing his teammates Johnny Gray and "Fast Jack" Beckman, Hagan knew getting the event win would be even harder. "Johnny has been on a hot streak as of late, so facing him in the second round ,then facing "Fast Jack" in the finals definitely made those races  "marque match-ups" Matt Said. "Those were races where you had to be focused on cutting a good reaction time, making sure you kept the car in the groove. We were able to do each of those things and won the event." 

     

Ron Lewis Phot

Championships are synonymous with Don Schumacher Racing, a team that has won 8 Top fuel Championships and three Funny Car Championships. Matt himself, feels lucky to be part of such a team. "It's fortunate to be part of a team such as DSR.  Don Schumacher has put together a great group of individuals, and expects great things to happen." Though the Virginia native knows first hand, hard work is the key to success. "We at DSR, know to win more races, and more championships, it takes lots of hard work, dedication and not resting on past laurels. That is something we hope continues for many years to come."

    


                                               
Magnetti Marelli Photo
Roger Richards Photo
Bringing new sponsors to a team helps to cultivate success. Rocky Footwear coming onboard as an associate sponsor on Matt's Dodge Charger Funny Car, he is very happy to work with them. "We are excited to be racing the Rocky Boots Funny Car, at the Bristol event, we look forward to continuing to grow the company. They are a brand that I have worn for years and am proud to stand behind. " Major online auto parts chain, Magnetti Marelli has also come aboard."If you have any make or model of any vehicle , they are sure to have the exact parts that you are looking for." That association has met with immediate success, winning the Zmax 4-Wide Nationals and the most recent Toyota Summernationals. "The yellow and blue paint scheme is a lucky charm to us, we hope to continue to win more races with not just Magnetti Marelli, but Rocky Footwear also."

   
Tumblr Photo
With the upcoming Bristol event just hours away from his home in Virginia, Matt considers it to be his home race, and is excited to not only have his family, but his friends to be part of the Thunder Valley experience. "Bristol was the first place that I ever attended an NHRA event, I was hooked immediately." Matt Said "It will be amazing, to have family and friends there, to be part of the experience that is an NHRA event. Everyone is excited and the team hopeful we can bring home the event win."

     



John Sturbin (Racin Today)
Most fans figure that after winning an event, most racers would take a few days off to relax and enjoy a weekends worth of success, but not Matt Hagan.  The day after his Summernationals win, Matt was hard at work on his farm in Virginia, repairing a broken hay bailer. He laughed and said " I hope that I can win a few more races to help with the repairs." he fully understands the value of hard work, and that has him and his team excited for the season to come. "Its not so much the money, we just want to win as many races and as many championships as we are capable of. Ive never before had this type of charisma, atmosphere, and chemistry within a team. That excites me for what is to come in the future."


Richard Muir Photo    
But the 2011 Champ expects a continued dogfight for the championship with  the Ford Camp of John Force racing, Tim Wilkerson, and Bob Tasca III. "Every year, that is what the fans of NHRA Drag racing expect, a dog fight." Hagan said "Last years title fight between my teammates Capps and Beckman went to the final event. Likewise in 2010 and 2011. Our team expects that trend to continue, and we will be ready, bringing the very best of what we have." He added "At the same time with new sponsors coming onboard, we at DSR will work to make the presence of Magnetti Marelli and Rocky Footwear become even greater, because sponsors such as those not only drive our team, but the sport of NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing."


     New Crew Chief, New sponsors, and a new sense of excitement. Yes Fans, The Spark Is Back!