Doug Kalitta and the Kalitta Air top fuel dragster have edged closer to an NHRA Full Throttle points championship in each of the past three years. In 2011, Kalitta and crew chief Jim Oberhofer believe their Champion spark plug-powered engines will get the job done.
The three-car Kalitta Motorsports team will once again rely exclusively on Champion plugs as it begins its quest for points titles in the NHRA Top Fuel and Funny Car categories beginning February 24 in Pomona, Calif. The twin 8,000-horsepower Kalitta Air dragsters driven by Doug Kalitta and Dave Grubnic and the DHL/Kalitta Funny Car driven by Jeff Arend have made significant progress since switching to Champion plugs prior to the 2010 season. Last year, Kalitta finished sixth among 42 Top Fuel drivers, with one win and five runner-up finishes. He finished eighth in 2009 and ninth in 2008.
“Our switch to Champion plugs has made a significant difference in our engine program,” Oberhofer said. “We now have the power and confidence to win on any track. With Champion firing our engines, we know we’re getting maximum power on every pass.”
Each Kalitta Motorsports engine is equipped with Champion N1043Y racing plugs, which feature an unplated 600 alloy ground wire and Federal-Mogul’s exclusive Surefire ceramic material. These plugs are also equipped with shorter shells that increase flashover length for improved performance and increased resistance to arcing and misfire.
For additional information regarding Champion racing plugs, contact your performance parts provider, click on the “Aftermarket Solutions” link at www.federalmogul.com or write: Champion Marketing, Federal-Mogul Corporation, 26555 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48033.