Mark Thomas - Amalie Oil Texas Nationals

Mark Thomas opens 2006 season with big win!

By Randy Jackenheimer for Mark Thomas Racing Inc.

Mark Thomas has started the 2006 IHRA eMax race season with a brand new 2006 Monte Carlo Funny Car, and a season opening win! “We couldn’t be happier,” said Thomas, “We took a car that was brand new from the ground up and ran the number 2 qualifying time on the very first pass down a track!” With the new Ethanol Performs Monte Carlo having never been on a track prior to the first qualifying run on Friday, Thomas was a little nervous for the first run. “This car ran great…it handles really well and is a lot of fun drive!” said Mark.

The Ethanol Performs Monte Carlo went 5 rounds with no previous testing and ran ET’s in the low to mid eighties. The Thomas Team was able to not only post the event low ET, but ran the lowest ET in each round of eliminations. The new car proved itself to not only be quick, but strong as the Thomas Crew never had to take the car apart, and didn’t hurt anything all weekend. The Ethanol sponsored team has had a few personnel changes, and according to Thomas “Everybody on the crew worked so well together, like a veteran team!”

“To debut a new car that runs this consistent at the season opener, and then win it is a truly great accomplishment!” said Thomas, “We have a beautiful new hot rod, a great team and we had a wonderful time at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals!” Mark and the team heard about the accident that claimed the life of IRL Driver Paul Dana. Thomas said “ We were saddened to hear about Paul’s accident and we all had respect for him not just as a driver, but he had worked for several years to bring the Ethanol message to the IRL…our condolences to his family and we dedicate this win in honor of his memory.”