NHRA (JOLIET) - DENSHAM PRE-RACE NTOES

Densham hopes to show title sponsor he has what it takes

CHICAGO (June 7) -When a race car's major sponsor is also the title sponsor of the event, there's always a little extra added pressure for the driver and team to perform well and hopefully end up in the winners circle. For veteran Funny Car driver Gary Densham and the rest of the Torco Racing Fuels / Racebricks collectibles team, they'll have a shine on their shoes and an attitude to go along with it at this weekend's Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals in Joliet, Ill.

"When it's your sponsor's race, we always try to put our best foot forward," Densham said. "The Route 66 track is the crown jewel of facilities in the midwest and nothing would be better than to give Torco's Evan Knoll a back to back win at his company-sponsored event. And let's not leave out our longtime supporters Racebricks Collectables. They need a win just as bad as anyone and nothing would please me more than to have a huge victory celebration for all of them Sunday afternoon.

As with the majority of races this season, Densham feels the weather could be a major factor.

Rain has played havoc with everybody but if it's a little cloudy and pleasantly cool, I wouldn't be surprised to see records fall, especially Friday night, Densham said. "The facility is great, the track is awesome and the competition is tougher than it has been in all my years of racing - and that's a long time.

"The fans are in for a real show this year and although we've performed well here in the past, we've never won so that means our chances are better than ever to really shine.