MBR and Dreher Motorsports Looking to go to Work Over Holiday Weekend at Norwalk

Courtesy of Michalek Brothers Racing
Photos courtesy of David Smith/PSA

 

 

The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) rolls into the Buckeye State this weekend for its annual stop in Norwalk, Ohio. Michalek Brothers Racing (MBR) and Dreher Motorsports will join forces once again to field an entry in the ultra-competitive Top Alcohol Dragster class at the 9th running of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

With the drag racing world shifting its attention to northwest Ohio for the holiday weekend, MBR driver Corey Michalek looks ahead to getting back on track after being idle behind the wheel since early March.

“Anxious is probably the most appropriate term,” said Corey. “It’s been a long 4 months of being out of the driver’s seat since Charlotte. As a part time driver running a limited schedule, there is so much emphasis put on every opportunity that you get to stand on the gas, and it’s a challenge to get into any type of rhythm with such long gaps in between races. The main objective for me coming into the weekend is to show up mentally in midseason form the way Kyle did in Houston.”

Norwalk marks the second consecutive race of the season that MBR will pull up to the starting line with primary sponsorship from the Kenan Advantage Group (KAG). MBR states its goals for the weekend are simple: perform well on track, and just as important, help KAG find qualified applicants to join its team. KAG will have a full staff on site in Nitro Alley to engage and interact with prospective employees. Any current CDL holder or mechanic is encouraged to stop by the KAG booth to learn more about job opportunities and for a shot to win a free iPad mini. Additional details can be found at THEKAG.COM/RACE.

With additional backing from Champion Spark Plugs, Fel-Pro, Speed Pro, Sealed Power, and GoPro cameras, MBR and Dreher Motorsports will go toe-to-toe with a field of more than 20 of the country’s best Top Alcohol Dragster teams for the third straight year. Focused on the weekend, Corey reflects on his brief 3-race career piloting a 3,500 horsepower A/fuel dragster.

“Since the 2014 Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, it’s been a humbling experience for me behind the wheel. We have been fortunate enough to be able to come out and make a bunch of A-to-B runs and get the car qualified into a couple of stacked fields, which is a victory in itself, but we’ve run into a string of really tough luck going into eliminations the past two times that I’ve driven,” said Corey. “I know the Drehers are ready to throw down this weekend and I’ve been training since the Monday after Charlotte to be fully prepared for any situation that we may face on track so we can be contenders come Sunday. I’m ready to drop the visor and go to work.”

The team kicks off its weekend this Friday with 2 qualifying runs at 12:00PM and 3:00PM. Action resumes on Saturday afternoon when the KAG A/fuel dragster makes its third and final qualifying pass at 12:00PM, followed shortly after by the first round of eliminations at 3:00PM. The 8 remaining Top Alcohol Dragsters will then square off for the final 3 rounds of eliminations with a Wally on the line Sunday at 12:15PM, 2:25PM, and 3:40PM.

“It’s 4th of July weekend at the Bader’s house and we can’t wait to get the KAG A/fuel dragster on track in front of a packed house at Summit Motorsports Park,” said Corey. “This is MBR’s home track and we count down the days each year until we get the opportunity to come back. Fireworks, $1/lb ice cream, and nitro…it doesn’t get any better than this!”

For additional MBR information and updates, please “like” the Michalek Brothers Racing FACEBOOK page and follow @MichalekRacing on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

Kyle Michalek Has Strong Performance in Houston Debut

Courtesy of Michalek Brothers Racing

Over the course of three hot, humid days in Houston, TX, Michalek Brothers Racing (MBR), Dreher Motorsports, and the Kenan Advantage Group (KAG) teamed up to post a string of impressive performances en route to a semi-final finish at the 28th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals.

Back in the driver’s seat for the first time in just under a year, Kyle Michalek kicked off his third season behind the wheel of the Dreher's nitro-burning A/fuel dragster in style by posting a career best 5.299 second elapsed time at 267.96 MPH to sit in the provisional #1 qualifying position. The Michalek/Dreher combo then reeled off a 5.356 second lap at 267.00 MPH and a 5.326 second lap at 270.16 MPH (new career best MPH) in the remaining qualifying sessions to enter eliminations in the #2 qualifying spot. This starting spot marked the team’s best qualifying effort in National Event competition.

Still riding a high from resetting his personal best ET and MPH, Kyle Michalek broke down the team’s qualifying performance.

"It's tough being out of the car for an extended period of time; I was probably more nervous for the first qualifying pass than I was racing in the final round of the Norwalk regional a few years ago," said Kyle. "I knew we had a great race car and I didn't want to overthink the run and make a mistake. It was a huge confidence booster to run a 5.29 right off the trailer, and we followed up with two more great runs in the low to mid 5.30s. The car was quick and consistent throughout qualifying which set the tone for a great overall weekend."

Due to early Saturday rain showers, the first round of eliminations for the Top Alcohol Dragster class was postponed until Sunday morning setting up an action-packed day of racing with extremely tight turnaround times in between rounds. Kyle Michalek kicked off eliminations against the #15 qualifier, Chase Copeland, and was the first off the starting line with a .067 second reaction time to Copeland's .075. The KAG A/fueler launched hard and was on another solid lap before the engine fell silent just after half-track. Copeland, in the left lane, went into immediate tire-smoke and enabled MBR to coast to victory, crossing the finish line in 5.878 seconds at 177.81MPH. This victory marked Kyle’s first round win in National Event competition.

After returning to the pits, the team diagnosed the mechanical malfunction from the previous run to be a broken crankshaft. With a compressed timeline leading into the second round of eliminations, the Dreher Motorsports team of Randy Dreher, Jared Dreher, Red, and Matt Stout kicked it into overdrive to swap motors in time to get the car back to the starting line for a quarter-finals matchup against Mia Tedesco. Tedesco, the 2015 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals winner, would have lane choice from her 5.395 second run in the first round of eliminations.

"It felt great seeing the win light come on after our first round win against Chase Copeland; however, I knew the car was hurt and we had some work to do before second round," said Kyle. "The timeframe was tight and the pace was frantic, but we overcame the mechanical adversity and got the engine change complete in under an hour. Everyone pitched in and we got the job done; it was a key moment in our weekend and while it was stressful at the time, those are the moments in the heat of battle that make great teams. Even though we didn't have time to start the car in the pits before second round, I had faith in the team and knew Randy and Jared would provide a good tune-up to give us a shot as long as we were able to get to the starting line."

Lined up in the right lane, Kyle was first off the starting line once again (.044 to .106) and he never looked back winning wire-to-wire with a strong 5.379 second pass at 259.11MPH to set up a matchup with David Brounkowski for a chance to race against Randy Meyer in the final round for the Wally. In what ended up being the closest race in all four rounds of eliminations, Brounkowski was able to eliminate the MBR and the KAG A/fuel dragster with a slight jump off the starting line (.025 to .047) and a margin of victory of just 0.0151 seconds (approximately 6 feet).

When all was said and done, Kyle Michalek closed out the weekend with a new career best qualifying position, a new career best elapsed time by a full tenth of a second, a new career best speed by over 7 MPH, and a solid semi-final race day finish.

 "We had a great weekend on and off the track," said Kyle. "The car ran well, we picked up a couple round wins, and we were able to introduce NHRA race fans to the great job opportunities as KAG truck drivers and mechanics currently available at www.thekag.com/race. I'm very excited for the future of the MBR/KAG collaboration and thankful for the opportunity to have the KAG team's support."

MBR returns to the track July 3-5 for its 3rd annual stop at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, OH with Corey Michalek behind the wheel. The Kenan Advantage Group will once again serve as the team’s primary sponsor for the event and Champion Spark Plugs, Fel-Pro, Speed-Pro, Sealed Power, and GoPro will continue to provide additional support.

For additional MBR information and updates, please “like” the Michalek Brothers Racing FACEBOOK page and follow @MichalekRacing on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

For Michalek Brothers Racing, Charlotte is a Long Time Coming

Courtesy of Michalek Brothers Racing
Photos courtesy of David Smith

Just under one year ago, Corey Michalek entered his debut race in the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster class, the 2014 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, behind the wheel of a 3,500 horsepower A/fuel dragster with wide-eyes and a great appreciation for having the opportunity to compete against some of the best Top Alcohol Dragster drivers on the planet. Three days later, a dream was realized when MBR and Dreher Motorsports crossed the finish line at nearly 270mph on Sunday afternoon to take home the Wally trophy in Corey’s first ever start.

“We went from having mechanical issues that wiped out both runs on Friday, to getting in the show under massive pressure with a career best lap during Q3 on Saturday,” said Corey. “From there, the Drehers had the car dialed in running close to low E.T. each round of eliminations and we rode a huge wave of momentum all the way through the finals on Sunday. To this day, the memories from that weekend still seem surreal.”

Fast-forward to less than a week before the 2015 installment of the NHRA’s 6th annual spring race in the Tar Heel State and the tone gets a lot more serious. While last year’s Charlotte victory remains sweet, Michalek continues to hold on to what could have been in his second race behind the wheel, this time at his home track in Norwalk, Ohio, where the team bowed out as the #11 qualifiers without contesting the first round of eliminations due to parts attrition.

“On the other side of the spectrum, I have extremely high goals for myself and the team each time we pull into the track. Going back to my first experiences racing with Mark Thomas, I saw firsthand what it takes to be elite in this sport. My mentality has always been that whenever you don’t win a race, you didn’t complete your task. I have a sour taste in my mouth from Norwalk and I feel like I left something on the table as a driver, personally. I’ve spent the last 8 months prepping so that I have zero doubts when I get strapped into the car this weekend that I’ve done everything that I could do to be prepared.”

Validating last year’s inaugural performance is something that Corey has on his mind after attempting only 9 runs in all of 2014.

“Shortly after the Charlotte race, Brandon Booher said to me, ‘Welcome to the champagne room of drag racing…now anything aside from a win is unacceptable.’ Coming from someone who fields one of the premier cars in the class and someone who has been there before, I’ll never forget that because it validated what I had always believed was the only way that you should approach a race. It’s blunt, but it’s a mindset you have to have in order to be the best at what you do. I respect how difficult it is to have success at any level of this sport, but at the same time, I only get the chance to race once or twice a year so I strive to be a force every time I get an opportunity to do so.”

MBR rolls into Bruton Smith’s recently repaved “Bellagio of Dragstrips” in Charlotte, NC for the 2015 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, the first of three scheduled races in 2015. Long-time partners, Kenan Advantage Group, Champion Spark Plugs, Speed-Pro, Fel-Pro, and Sealed Power, and newcomer, GoPro cameras, will adorn the side of the Dreher’s injected-nitro machine.

“We are very fortunate to be able to continue competing at this level and we couldn’t do it without our partners Champion and KAG who stepped up as our primary sponsors for 2015,” said Kyle. “We have a lot of exciting on and off-track promotions planned this year, and we can’t wait to get started in Charlotte!”

MBR’s return to the track is made possible due to their partnership with Dreher Motorsports, now beginning its third year. Under the guidance of veteran and standout Top Alcohol racers, Randy and Jared Dreher, Corey looks forward to what the two teams can do together in 2015.

“This will be our third consecutive year partnering with Dreher Motorsports and they are the driving force behind the success that we have had in our short time in the class,” said Corey. “Randy and Jared have worked for years to refine their tune-up and they field one of the most formidable cars on the property each time they show up to an event. If the car is on and we do our job behind the wheel, we are very confident that we’ll be able to continue to contend each time we pull up to the line.”

MBR kicks of their 2015 season this Friday with two qualifying runs at 11:45AM and 3:00PM. The team returns for their third and final qualifying pass at 11:45AM on Saturday with the first round of eliminations following soon after at 3:00PM. The eight remaining Top Alcohol Dragsters will then battle it out for the Wally with the final three rounds of eliminations taking place on Sunday at 11:45AM, 2:00PM, and 3:45PM.

For additional MBR information and updates, please “like” the Michalek Brothers Racing FACEBOOK page and follow @MichalekRacing on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

The Kenan Advantage Group Renews with Michalek Brothers Racing for 2015

Courtesy of Michalek Brothers Racing
Photos courtesy of David Smith

Michalek Brothers Racing (MBR) is excited to announce a continuing partnership agreement with the Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. (KAG) for the 2015 racing season. KAG returns to the team for a second straight year with an expanded schedule, and will serve as the MBR’s primary sponsor for the Charlotte, Houston, and Norwalk national events.

“We are very excited and grateful to continue our working relationship with KAG in 2015,” said Kyle. “We are looking forward to engaging with KAG employees at the track, and helping connect NHRA fans with great job opportunities as KAG tank truck drivers and mechanics.”

“There are so many race fans in the logistics and transportation industry, particularly commercial truck Drivers and Mechanics”, said Jessica Rauls, Corporate Communications Coordinator. “By partnering with MBR, we are providing a unique opportunity to speak with potential candidates in a relaxed and fun setting. We are seeking commercial truck drivers including company drivers and owner–operators, mechanics and tank washers to join our growing team.”

“Last year we asked some of our Drivers and Mechanics to speak with potential recruits because no one knows KAG better than the employees themselves,” continued Ms. Rauls. We were pleased to see so much company pride; the experience was rewarding for everyone involved.”

Job opportunities are available nationally and KAG currently has open positions in 44 states. Please visit WWW.THEKAG.COM/RACE for a full list of available positions.

In addition to having a fully-branded paint scheme on the team’s 270MPH A/fuel dragster, once again prepared by Dreher Motorsports, KAG will also have team members on-site at the Houston (April 24-26) and Norwalk (July 3-5) national events to answer questions and to help prospective employees fill out job applications.

“We’re ecstatic that KAG has decided to expand their commitment with MBR in 2015 and we’re anxiously awaiting the opportunity to work with them this upcoming season,” said Corey. “It will be great to have them join us again in Norwalk this year and we can’t wait to introduce their company to the awesome fans in Charlotte and Houston.”

The Kenan Advantage Group is based in North Canton, OH and is North America’s largest tank truck transporter and logistics provider, delivering fuel, chemicals, industrial gases, and food-grade products. KAG is committed to investing in modern, clean, well-maintained equipment, and providing work schedules that include allowing drivers to return home each day. KAG serves a diverse customer base including major oil companies, truck stop chains, convenience stores, hypermarkets, aviation fuel marketers, national and regional petroleum marketers, chemical manufacturers, and manufacturers of bulk liquid food products. KAG is the only independent fuels delivery carrier with a nationwide network of terminal and satellite locations, having operations in 42 states and the ability to deliver within all 48 states of the continental United States and Mexico. In addition, KAG operates in 16 locations throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. Visit WWW.THEKAG.COM/RACE to learn more.

For additional MBR information and updates, please “like” the Michalek Brothers Racing FACEBOOK page and follow @MichalekRacing on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

Corey Michalek Qualifies the KAG A/Fuel Dragster into Stout Norwalk Field

Courtesy of Michalek Brothers Racing
Photo courtesy of David Smith

The MBR/Dreher Motorsports A/fuel dragster entry sponsored by the Kenan Advantage Group (KAG) and Champion Spark Plugs qualified #11 amongst a field of 21 of the nation’s premier Top Alcohol Dragster drivers at the 8th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals in Norwalk, OH. Taking place over the course of a picture-perfect 4th of July weekend, this was the team’s third NHRA national event appearance as competitors; all of which MBR has successfully made the qualifying field.

Rookie driver Corey Michalek returned to the seat for the second time this year, and the team started the weekend out with a strong 5.455 second elapsed time at 262.03mph during Q1. During the second round of qualifying, the team had an aborted run due to tire shake and ended day 1 in the #10 qualifying spot. The 3,500 horsepower KAG A/fueler took the track one last time early Saturday afternoon and improved on its initial qualifying time by running a 5.445 second lap at 257.73mph to secure the #11 spot in the ladder. Unfortunately, during the process, parts attrition took its toll and MBR’s weekend came to an end before contesting the first round of eliminations.

Fresh off his second event of NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster competition, rookie driver Corey Michalek evaluated the team’s performance.

“Obviously we want to do well every time we show up at the track,” said Corey. “There is definitely a sense frustration when we don’t do well because Kyle and I have such an intense desire to win, just like our teammates, Randy and Jared Dreher. But we’re also realistic because we have been around the sport long enough to fully understand that sometimes there is only so much that is in our control. When you put nitro inside of a race car, parts are going to malfunction and weekends like this are going to happen, unfortunately.”

Michalek wasn’t totally down on the final outcome of the weekend, however.

“On the positive side, though, we persevered enough to rise above the mechanical issues in order to solidly qualify the KAG / Dreher Motorsports A/fuel dragster in the #11 spot. Considering the competition that was on the property, and the fact that the current national points leader was unable to make the show, that was quite the accomplishment.”

The 8th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals also marked the first time that the younger Michalek had piloted a race car down the esteemed Norwalk racing surface. Corey happily recalled his experience of finally getting an opportunity to race at his home track in front of a capacity crowd filled with friends and family.

“Turning the corner in front of the huge Summit Motorsports Park grandstands for the first time was an awesome moment. After standing along those fences for years, to moving behind the car on the starting line as a crew member, it was great to finally be in the position to make a lap down the Norwalk quarter-mile,” said Corey. “Having a huge contingent of family, friends, and MBR supporters on-hand in the stands and in the pits all weekend long was the icing on the cake. Kyle and I are beyond grateful to have the backing of such an awesome support system.”

With 2014’s three scheduled races in the books, Michalek Brothers Racing now shifts their focus to next season and beyond.

“Each year MBR strives to move forward and 2014 has been a year of great progress,” said Kyle. “With the addition of KAG to our team, and the continued support of Champion, Fel-Pro, Sealed Power, and Speed Pro we were able to bring home a National Event win at the Charlotte NHRA Four Wide Nationals. This provides momentum and inspiration to continue building our program so we can increase our participation within the class. We’re confident our team has a lot to offer both on and off the track. We will take the next couple months off to focus on building relationships with current and future business partners, and look to come back strong in 2015. But, if an opportunity comes up to hit the track again this year we won’t think twice about it!”

For additional MBR information and updates, please “like” the Michalek Brothers Racing FACEBOOK page and follow @MichalekRacing on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

Michalek Brothers Racing Staring Down Toughest Test Yet at Norwalk

Courtesy of Michalek Brothers Racing
Photos courtesy of David Smith

Corey Michalek to make Summit Motorsports Park competition debut amid stacked field

It has only been 44 days since Michalek Brothers Racing pulled off the Summit Motorsports Park property at the conclusion of the 8th annual Mickey Mart Rewards Cavalcade of Stars race, but for brothers and teammates Kyle and Corey Michalek, it feels more like 44 years. The wait, however, comes to an end this weekend as the team, partnered with Dreher Motorsports, returns to Norwalk, Ohio alongside 24 of the best Top Alcohol Dragsters in the country to vie for the coveted Wally that is up for grabs at the 8th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

MBR returns to Norwalk for the second time in 2014, this time with Corey getting behind the wheel, in the midst of an already eventful campaign. The team started the 2014 racing season strong at the 5th annual NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina. With Randy and Jared Dreher making the tuneup calls, the Champion Spark Plugs/Dreher Motorsports A/fuel dragster took home the wally in Corey's national event debut.

“Charlotte was a dream weekend for us; there’s no getting around that," said Corey. "The Drehers worked their tails off to provide us with a race car that was capable of going the distance and we were fortunate to catch a few breaks along the way."

The younger Michalek, looking ahead to his second race in NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster competition, was quick to halt the trip down memory lane.

"Charlotte is in the past now and what we did at that race has zero bearing on what’s going to happen this weekend, as the regional race proved. My goal for this race is first and foremost to qualify. I know that sounds very underwhelming after winning in Charlotte, but with the 24 other cars that will be in attendance, this is going to be one of the toughest fields to qualify for all year. We want to have one of the 16 quickest cars come 1 o'clock on Saturday afternoon and then we’ll re-direct our approach from there.”

"On top of that, I really want to make as many runs as possible just to develop into a better driver. At this point I would say that I'm still going for a ride and trying to play catch up each time down the track rather than being ahead of the car and driving it. I cringe re-watching some of the Charlotte runs because I know I need to be so much better at so many aspects of the driving process."

Michalek Brothers Racing will once again rocket down the Norwalk quarter-mile carrying primary sponsorship from the Kenan Advantage Group (KAG) to actively recruit new mechanics and CDL truck drivers. More information about great nationwide job opportunities with the KAG team can be found by browsing and applying for available positions here (https://intelliapp2.driverapponline....?r=raceRacecar). Longtime MBR supporters, Champion Spark Plugs, Sealed Power, Speed Pro, and Fel-Pro, will also be featured on the Dreher Motorsports A/fueler as Corey makes his maiden voyage down the track at which he attended his first drag race.

“Even though I live in New York now, I still consider Summit Motorsports Park to be my home track. It’s the first drag strip that I ever visited as a fan and I’ve been there for more races than any other facility on tour, but this weekend will be the first time that I’ve driven there. I’m really excited to finally have the opportunity to compete in front of our friends and family at the same place where it all began for me.”

Fans attending the event will be treated to non-stop action all weekend long as "America's Racetrack" celebrates the baddest race cars on the planet with $1/lb ice cream and the Bader family's signature fireworks show. MBR hits the track twice on Friday to kick off the weekend with runs at 12:00PM and 3:00PM. The team returns for their third and final qualifying pass at 12:00PM on Saturday with the first round of eliminations following soon after at 3:00PM. The eight remaining Top Alcohol Dragsters will then battle it out for the Wally with the final three rounds of eliminations taking place on Sunday at 12:15PM, 2:25PM, and 3:40PM.

"It's well known that whenever you come to Norwalk it's going to be a great time, said Kyle. This coming weekend will be extra special with the 4th of July celebration. What is more patriotic than side by side racing at over 270 MPH, and nitro burning engines pushing out over 3,500 horsepower; all capped off with a Bader family fireworks show?! We're looking forward to running hard and having a great time!"

For additional MBR information and updates, please “like” the Michalek Brothers Racing FACEBOOK page and follow @MichalekRacing on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

Michalek Brothers Racing and Kenan Advantage Group Gearing up for Norwalk

Courtesy of Michalek Brothers Racing

Kyle Michalek returns to site of runner-up A/Fuel Dragster debut

Just under one year ago, Kyle Michalek quickly found success in the 270 mph Top Alcohol Dragster class during the team’s debut event at the 2013 Mickey Mart Rewards Cavalcade of Stars NHRA Lucas Oil regional event at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH. The team’s runner-up finish validated the partnership between Michalek Brothers Racing (MBR) and Dreher Motorsports as a legitimate contender.

“The runner-up finish during our debut event was both exciting and unexpected,” said Kyle. “Following my runner-up last year and Corey’s win last month at the Charlotte Four-Wide nationals, second place just won’t cut it anymore; we know we have what it takes to get the win.”

The team comes in to this year’s event on a high-note following Corey Michalek’s win at the Charlotte Four-Wide nationals and team partner Dreher Motorsport’s runner-up finish at the NHRA Lucas Oil regional event in Indianapolis two weeks ago. Highlighting the team’s return to competition at Summit Motorsports Park is the newly established partnership between MBR and the Kenan Advantage Group (KAG) as the team’s primary sponsor.

“KAG’s corporate headquarters are only 20 minutes from MBR; it’s very special to be partnered with a local organization that is extremely successful on a national level,” said Kyle. “We are excited to introduce NHRA fans to the great career opportunities available at KAG as a truck driver or mechanic. We plan to use the KAG dragster as a 270mph recruiting billboard.”

KAG is North America’s largest tank truck transporter with more than 9,000 employees, and has the ability to deliver within the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico. KAG is experiencing strong growth, and is actively seeking commercial truck drivers including company drivers and owner-operators, mechanics, and tank washers to join their growing team, and has partnered with MBR to help recruit new employees. Job opportunities are available nationally, and KAG currently has open positions in 44 states. Please visit the KAG website (https://intelliapp2.driverapponline....enan_445714539) for a full list of available positions or call 877-947-1013. While filling out the online application, be sure to note “Race Car” under the “How did you hear about us?” drop down box and reference Michalek Brothers Racing as the referral source.

2014 marks MBR’s 10th year participating in drag racing competition. Kyle made his first passes in a “legitimate” race car in 2004 down Norwalk’s storied quarter-mile, and returns 10 years later to take on the world’s best semi-professional drivers.

“Norwalk is where I started my driving career 10 years ago; our team has come a long way since that fateful first pass in my Super Pro dragster when I thought I was going to get sick from nervousness in the staging lanes,” said Kyle. “I am very excited to get back in the car after a long break, and always look forward to racing at Norwalk with the hometown support of family and friends. This year will be no different; we plan to have a very strong MBR cheering section that will be supplemented with KAG employees coming out to the track to cheer on the home team. We look forward to hosting KAG, and having the opportunity to show their employees a good time at the races.”

The 8th annual Mickey Mart Rewards Cavalcade of Stars kicks off an action-packed weekend of racing on Friday, May 16 at Summit Motorsports Park with pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions at 6:00 followed by the first round of qualifying at 6:30. The action kicks up a notch on Saturday, the day most notably known for record-breaking crowds of nearly 50,000 fans, with pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions at 3:30, round two of qualifying at 4:00, and the third and final qualifying run under the lights at 7:00. Both Friday and Saturday night will be capped off with the Bader family’s signature firework shows. Final eliminations get underway on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 with the event coming to a close at 5:30. Admission is $20 per day or $50 for the full event.

“This is the premier regional event on the NHRA tour, and it’s a date that we have had circled on our calendar since last May,” said Corey. “The facility is top notch, the fans pack the place wall-to-wall, and some of the best racers in the country will be there putting on a side-by-side show of racing at speeds in excess of 270MPH. Simply put, it’s going to be awesome. We can’t get the KAG car on the track soon enough!”

For additional MBR information and updates, please “like” the Michalek Brothers Racing FACEBOOK page and follow @MichalekRacing on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM.

Driver Profile - Kyle Michalek

Driver: Kyle Michalek

Car: Kenan Advantage Group/Champion A/Fuel Dragster

Age: 29

Hometown: Louisville, OH

Residence: Houston, TX

Occupation: Operations Manager, Black Horse, LLC.

Family: Wife – Stephanie, Mom – Lisa, Dad – John, Brother – Corey

Accomplishments: First “Search for a Champion” contest winner, runner-up in TAD debut at 2013 Cavalcade of Stars, 2006 IHRA AFC championship crew member for Mark Thomas, and 2014 Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals TAD winner.

First race car: 1974 Woody Gilmore Top Fuel Dragster converted to a Super Pro car.

Favorite movies: Spinal Tap, Caddyshack, Best in Show, The Big Lebowski, and Ghostbusters.

Favorite music: My tastes in music are rather extreme. I like all Metal, from classic to current.

Favorite TV shows: Boardwalk Empire, Real Sports, and Eastbound and Down.

Favorite sports teams: Louisville Leopards, Ohio University Bobcats.

When I'm away from the racetrack I: Enjoy running, working out, dabbling in guitar, attending concerts, and spending time with my wife.

Favorite racing memory: TAD winners circle at 2014 Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals with my family.

Top accomplishment in racing: Forming a plan with Corey to make the transition from bracket racing to Top Alcohol Dragster and making it a reality.

Toughest opponent: I try not to beat myself.

 

Favorite opponent: Corey and I have never raced each other; I can’t wait!

 

Favorite drivers outside TAD: Pat Dakin, Mark Thomas, Clay Millican

 

Personal heroes: My parents have always provided great guidance and unconditional support.

 

I race because: At a primal level nothing compares to the energy, excitement, power, and challenges provided from the competition on and off the track.

 

I race TAD because: This class provides a forum to develop skills, gain exposure, and compete on the highest amateur level. It is great preparation for taking the next step…

 

Pre-race rituals or superstitions: Fall asleep while waiting in the staging lanes.

 

Nobody knows that I: If I tell you then everyone will know!

 

If I didn't race I would: pursue additional entrepreneurial ventures or become more involved in higher education as an associate professor or doctoral candidate.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/michalekbrothersracing

Twitter username: @michalekracing

Instagram username: @michalekracing

Website: www.michalekbrothersracing.com

 

 

Photos courtesy of David Smith/Pro Sportsman Association

The Kenan Advantage Group Joins Michalek Brothers Racing for 2014

Courtesy of Michalek Brothers Racing

Michalek Brothers Racing (MBR) is extremely pleased to announce a partnership agreement with the Kenan Advantage Group, Inc. (KAG). KAG will support MBR during the 2014 season and will serve as the team’s primary sponsor during the 8th Annual Mickey Mart Rewards Cavalcade of Stars NHRA Lucas Oil regional event at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH May 16-18.

“It is an honor to be partnered with an industry leading organization such as KAG,” said Kyle. “We are looking forward to introducing KAG to NHRA drag racing and, more importantly, introducing race fans to the exciting job opportunities available at KAG.”

KAG is actively seeking commercial truck drivers including company drivers and owner-operators, mechanics, and tank washers to join their growing team, and has partnered with MBR to help recruit new employees.

“There is a huge number of racing fans in the logistics and transportation industry, specifically commercial truck drivers and mechanics”, said Kyle. “KAG is experiencing strong growth, and has many positions that need to be filled; we plan to help by spreading the good news about job opportunities with KAG to the racing community.”

Job opportunities are available nationally and KAG currently has open positions in 44 states. Please visit https://intelliapp2.driverapponline.com/c/kenan?r=raceRacecar&uri_b=ia_kenan_663979594 for a full list of available positions or call 877-947-1013.

While filling out the online application, be sure to note “Race Car” under the "How did you hear about us?" drop down box and reference Michalek Brothers Racing as the referral source.

“KAG’s corporate headquarters are 20 minutes from MBR’s home base and we are very proud to have them come on board as a primary sponsor at our home track,” said Corey. “We see their shiny, polished KAG tanker trailers all the time when we are driving to and from races; it’s even more exciting knowing that we are now a small part of their team.”

Look for a KAG tractor trailer on Nitro Alley during the Norwalk regional event. KAG team members will be on-site to answer questions and help prospective employees fill out job applications.

The Kenan Advantage Group is based in North Canton, OH and is North America’s largest tank truck transporter and logistics provider, delivering fuel, chemicals, industrial gases, and food-grade products. KAG is committed to investing in modern, clean, well-maintained equipment, and providing work schedules that allow drivers to return home each day. KAG serves a diverse customer base including major oil companies, truck stop chains, convenience stores, hypermarkets, aviation fuel marketers, national and regional petroleum marketers, chemical manufacturers, and manufacturers of bulk liquid food products. KAG is the only independent fuels delivery carrier with a nationwide network of terminal and satellite locations, having operations in over 600 locations and the ability to deliver within all 48 states of the continental United States and Mexico. In addition, KAG operates in 16 locations throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. Visit www.thekag.com to learn more.

For additional MBR information and updates, please “like” the Michalek Brothers Racing Facebook page and follow @MichalekRacing on Twitter and Instagram.