Tate Branch

Two NHRA Top Alcohol Funny Car powerhouse teams have joined forces as George and Jane Etterman have partnered with defending three-time Division 4 Top Alcohol Funny Car Champion Tate Branch for the 2004 season. Bar's Leaks will return as the team's primary sponsor.

Branch, from Artesia, N.M., is excited about the new team.

"We're pretty pumped up about this new deal," said Branch. "I've met George and Jane over the past few years and really grown to like them before this deal. Then when the opportunity presented itself to team up with a team like Etterman Racing that has a history of success, it seemed like a no-brainer. Everyone from my team and his team are very excited."

"We're essentially joining forces and combining resources. I'll be bringing in my crew from my team to join him, Jane and Danny Bevans. My crew chief, Dave Scheelk, will tune the car."

In addition to the team's excitement, Bar's Leaks, which sponsored Etterman Racing last season, will return as primary sponsor and is excited about the team's chances with Branch and company.

"Bar's Leaks is thrilled to have Etterman Racing and Tate Branch team up to run the Bar's Leak Funny Car for the 2004 season," commented Pat Ellerholz, Bar's Leaks Motorsports Manager. "This team should be a contender for both the divisional and national championship; it should be fun to watch!"

Additionally, the team has several associate backers that have signed on for the 2004 season. Among those include InsideTopAlcohol.com, Michigan Kenworth, Southwest Dairy Farmers, Haulmark Trailers, NRC Modifications, Rapid Temps Staffing, Valvoline and NGK.

"We have a great group of companies behind us," stated Etterman. "We try our best to reflect that quality on the track, and I think Tate and his team will help us to do that."

"Our goal for this year is to defend our Division 4 championship and finish top five nationally," explained Branch. "With the team we now have assembled, I certainly think that is a possibility."