Carrier Boyz and McClenathan extend contract to 2009
CARRIER BOYZ RACING ANDY CARRIER and MARK CARRIER -- OWNERS NHRA POWERADE DRAG RACING SERIES FRAM AIRHOG TOP FUEL DRAGSTER CORY McCLENATHAN -- DRIVER TODD SMITH - CREW CHIEF BRISTOL, Tenn. (October 5, 2005) - Andy and Mark Carrier, owners of Carrier Boyz Racing, and Cory McClenathan, who drives the Carrier Boyz Racing Top Fuel dragster, jointly announced the extension of McClenathan's contract to drive for Carrier Boyz Racing through the 2009 season. "Having Cory Mac with Carrier Boyz Racing for the next four years is a big plus for our race team," said Andy Carrier. "It keeps our foundation sound, keeps with our philosophy of staying with the same people and continues our growth. During our talk regarding the extension on Sunday you could sense Cory's excitement and that excitement is contagious and will help this whole team strive to do better. "Cory brings a lot of things to the table, but I feel one of his best qualities is how he represents all our marketing partners. He's one of the best out here at that. "Cory is an important part of the plans to make Carrier Boyz Racing a better team. We'll have a few more surprises to announce in the very near future." Mark Carrier added, "Carrier Boyz racing is here to stay and having Cory on board makes us a sound team for the future and give us a strong foundation to strive for the top tier in Top Fuel and hopefully bring home the championship." McClenathan, who has 28 career wins and 29 No. 1 qualifying position, began driving for Carrier Boyz Racing at the start of the 2004 season. "I'm very excited," said McClenathan. "It turned a dismal Sunday at the Ameriquest Nationals in Chicago into an exciting day for me. After you exit in the first round and the bosses come to you and tell you they want to talk with you, you get a little edgy. Well, let me tell you that talk was all good. They asked me if I wanted to extend my contract with them for the next four year. I immediately said yes and hope that this extension quiets all the rumors that had me going elsewhere. "I never wanted to jump camp, but you will always have some people out there that are not happy unless they're stirring the pot. Sure I had people approach me but let me tell you I never wanted to go to any other team. I'm really excited to know that I have a long future with Mark and Andy and mom, Shirley. "Four extra years sounds good, especially when it means that I have a home and team and owners that I respect and have a good relationship with them both on the track and off. I plan to work real hard for them and do all we can for all our sponsors over the next four years." McClenathan has done and accomplished much since he began Top Fuel racing in 1991. The one thing that has eluded the driver who now calls Lake Havasu City, Ariz., home is the NHRA POWERade Top Fuel point championship. He has been every so close finishing No. 2 four times (1992, 1995, 1997-98). "The future looks bright," added McClenathan. "I really want to add that NHRA POWERade championship to my résumé. This team can do it and I will do everything in my power to lead them to the top." For 2005, Carrier Boyz Racing and primary marketing partners FRAM and Honeywell welcome the support of our associate marketing partners: American Racing Wheels, Autolite Spark Plugs, Bendix by Honeywell, Fabtech Performance Suspensions, GMC, Mac Tools, Prestone Antifreeze, PurePower Lubricants and Torco Race Fuels/Skull Gear. Headquartered in Danbury, Conn., FRAM®, the official filter of the NHRA®, is a unit of Honeywell Consumer Products Group, which manufactures and markets the FRAM AirHog^(TM) air filter and other quality FRAM automotive filters. The Honeywell Consumer Products Group also includes Prestone® antifreeze/coolant and car care products, Autolite® spark plugs and ignition wire sets and Holts® car care products. For additional information visit the following websites: FRAM at www.fram.com and FRAM AirHog at www.framairhog.com or call 1-800-862-7737. Visit our website at www.carrierboyzracing.com for the most current team news, race results and team merchandise.