Jesse James to unveil Jesse James Firearms Unlimited Top Fuel Dragster at Houston NHRA Event

AUSTIN, Texas (April 18, 2014) – Who else other than Master Fabricator Jesse James to unite the two things Americans love most – guns and racing! Jesse is thrilled to introduce the new Jesse James Firearms Unlimited (JJFU) sponsored Top Fuel dragster at the upcoming 2014 Mello Yello Drag Racing Series event in Houston, Texas, April 25th-27th.

The sponsorship follows the successful launch of James’ signature firearms line, JJFU, announced late last year and combines two of his lifelong passions: fast cars and custom guns.

“My love of the sport along with the relationship I have enjoyed beginning with Scott Kalitta and everyone at Kalitta Motorsports brings this opportunity full circle,” James said. “We had some great wins with the West Coast Choppers dragster and, we’re hoping J.R., Connie (Kalitta team owner and crew chief) and the Firearms Unlimited team can do the same thing.”

Jesse joined the Kalitta Motorsports family for the first time in 2003 with the debut of the West Coast Choppers Top Fuel dragster driven by the late Scott Kalitta.  Jesse has become a steadfast presence in the Kalitta pits, quietly helping tune wife Alexis DeJoria’s Patron XO Café Toyota Camry for the past two years.

The Jesse James Firearms Unlimited Top Fuel dragster will be driven by young and talented, Kalitta Motorsports driver J.R. Todd.  Todd is a six-time NHRA Top Fuel victor and widely considered to be among the best drivers in the world’s quickest and fastest racing class.

“I loved the West Coast Choppers dragster Scott drove and now having the chance to work with Jesse and the “Bounty Hunter” Connie Kalitta, especially in Texas, is something I could only dream about,” Todd said. “Jesse’s passion for the sport and Connie’s legendary status makes me want to win Houston more than ever”.

The design of the JJFU Top Fuel dragster will be characteristic of the Jesse James style, in-your-face and rebellious yet artistic.  According to James, “It’s taboo bringing guns into mainstream motorsports, but the majority of the fans enjoy the outdoors, so it’s part of culture. There are a lot of fans that love fast cars and guns like I do so this is for everyone who isn’t afraid to enjoy life on or off the track.”Event Schedule:

The 27th annual NHRA SpringNationals begin Friday for Team Kalitta and the nitro-powered pros. Two qualifying sessions will take place at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (CT) Friday. Two more qualifying sessions will take place Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The top 16 qualified cars in both Top Fuel and Funny Car will race Sunday in eliminations beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Times and dates subject to change.

ESPN2 TV Schedule:

04/26/2014 Qualifying 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET/3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PT
04/27/2014 Eliminations 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM ET/4:00 PM – 7:00 PM PT

Times and dates subject to change.

About JJFU:

Jesse James is best known as a custom motorcycle builder and the founder of West Coast Choppers, the successful worldwide brand known by bike enthusiasts as an icon of unparalleled quality and style. He has also starred in several television programs over the past 15 years, most of which focused on his signature craftsmanship in building custom choppers and restoring classic cars. After relocating to Austin, Texas in 2010, Jesse was driven to combine his signature work and passion for guns into the manufacturing of his own line of firearms.  In late 2013, he launched Jesse James Firearms Unlimited (JJFU) offering his distinguished “Cisco 1911” and “Nomad AR-15.”  With an intention of creating skillfully crafted and highly customizable guns, Jesse plans to eventually offer a full span of guns that appeal to military and law enforcement as well as the individual gun enthusiast.  JJFU raised the standards by also announcing a commitment to guns and products made in the USA.  Firearms are available for purchase at www.jjfu.com.  For most up to date announcements, follow JJFU on Instagram at www.instagram.com/popeofwelding.

About Kalitta Motorsports:

Based in Ypsilanti, Mich., Kalitta Motorsports is a Top Fuel and Funny Car drag racing team in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. The team was founded and is owned by drag racing icon Connie “the Bounty Hunter” Kalitta. For more than 50 years, Connie has been involved in the sport as a driver, tuner, and an owner. Kalitta Motorsports is one of the most successful teams in the history of auto racing with five world championships and over 50 national event titles in five different professional drag racing sanctioning bodies since it was established by Connie in 1959.

For more info about Kalitta Motorsports including exclusive content such as videos, photos and more, please visit www.teamkalitta.com. Follow Us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/TeamKalitta. Like Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KalittaMotorsports. Check out videos about Team Kalitta on our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/TeamKalitta. Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/TeamKalitta.