Team Kalitta looks to take the next step at the 4-Wide Nationals

GNP 1511-11500

GNP 1511-11500

CHARLOTTE, NC. (March 24, 2015) – After a great post-race test in Gainesville, Kalitta Motorsports looks to rebound at a race that they put three cars in the finals last season: the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.

The team also welcomes two-time and defending NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Matt Crafton to the NHRA family on Sunday.

Doug Kalitta, driver of the Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster, returns to the zMax Dragway in the top five of the standings. Last season, he was a final round qualifier, and in 2010, he was the runner-up, but is looking for his first win at the unique race.

J.R. Todd, driver of the Red Line Oil/Kalitta Air Top Fuel dragster, is attending his second 4-Wide Nationals with the Kalitta Motorsports team. The 2014 event saw Todd take the early no. 1 lead and earn his first final round appearance with the team, as he finished in the third position. That finish returned him to the top ten in the point standings for the first time since 2008.

“We are very happy with the results that we saw during our Monday test in Gainesville,” said Todd. “With the gains the Red Line Oil/Kalitta Air team made there, we are excited to return to the Charlotte track and build on our 2014 performance.”

Todd will help welcome Crafton to the zMax Dragway. On Sunday, they will participate in the SealMaster Track Walk.

Del Worsham, driver of the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car, also had a great test on Monday and looks to regain the consistency the team saw in the NHRA Mello Yello series’ first two events. Worsham, the winner of the 4-Wide Nationals during his Top Fuel Championship season in 2011, looks to become the first driver to win the race in the sport’s top two classes.

“It is always exciting to go back to the 4-Wides,” said Worsham. “When you face three cars versus one, there is always more excitement in the shut down area. After our test, the DHL Toyota Camry team looks to bounce back this weekend.”

Alexis DeJoria, driver of the Patrón XO Café Incendio Toyota Camry Funny Car, was the third member of the Kalitta Motorsports team to make the final round in 2014. Coming off of a great test and first round victory over defending Funny Car Champion Matt Hagan in Gainesville, DeJoria looks to pick up her first Wally of the new Mello Yello NHRA Series season.

The 4-Wide Nationals are the first race of the NHRA Mello Yello Series season that will be showcased live on ESPN. Sunday’s telecast starts at 2 PM/ET.

Konnekt with Kalitta Motorsports:

For more info about Kalitta Motorsports including exclusive content such as videos, photos and more, please visit #KalittaStrong online –

Website: www.teamkalitta.com
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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) Mello Yello 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.

Del Worsham drives the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car for Team Kalitta. Alexis DeJoria pilots the Tequila Patrón XO Café Incendio Toyota Camry Funny Car. J.R. Todd drives the Red Line Oil/Kalitta Air Top Fuel dragster while Connie’s nephew, Doug Kalitta, pilots the Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster. Connie serves as head tuner for all Team Kalitta entries. He is assisted by co-crew chiefs Jon Oberhofer and Nick Boninfante on the DHL Toyota Camry Funny Car, by Tommy DeLago and Glen Huszar on the Tequila Patrón XO Café Incendio Toyota Camry Funny Car,  and by Jim Oberhofer on the Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster. Connie serves as crew chief on the Red Line Oil Top Fuel dragster.

Associate sponsors on Kalitta Motorsports’ race cars include Justice Brothers, Patrón XO Café Incendio, Phoenix Fuel Converter, Red Line Oil, SealMaster, Summit Racing Equipment, Technicoat Companies, TMS Titanium, Toyota and Ziebart.