NHRA News: Bob Vandergriff to run 10-race schedule (4/7/2004)

Bob Vandergriff to run 10-race schedule

4/7/2004

Bob Vandergriff Jr.

After a three-year absence from the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, Bob Vandergriff Jr. is planning a return to Top Fuel racing at the 24th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in mid-May. Vandergriff plans to add more races to his schedule as sponsorship permits.

"I had pretty much drawn the conclusion at the start of the year that I had been on the sidelines for too long," Vandergriff said. "We have gathered a group of longtime sponsors and they are making this possible. Of course, there's the support of my family, which has been tremendous."

The Haldex Group, Speedco, and B.A.K. Properties are the headline sponsors of Vandergriff's return. According to Vandergriff, the 2004 season is a warm-up for what he hopes will be a full 23-race tour in 2005.

One of the key additions to Vandergriff's program has been the addition of Rob Flynn as crew chief.

"Once Rob became available, we decided to accelerate our plans," Vandergriff said. "I believe Rob is one of the best young crew chiefs out there and unfortunately he hasn't been given the opportunity to show that the last few places he has been at."

Vandergriff's last final-round appearance came in 2000 at Phoenix. He has six final round appearances on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series tour including his first one at Indianapolis in 1995.

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