When Bobby Lagana Jr. straps into his hot rod this weekend, he’s hoping to make lightning strike twice. The budget Top Fuel racer from Scarsdale, N.Y., will be racing again this weekend looking to build on his semifinal showing in Gainesville and create more exposure for sponsor Tire Kingdom. Lagana started the year with a runner-up finish at the first IHRA of the year in Louisiana.

“In Gainesville, we combined forces with Paul Richards and his team and did better than we ever expected. It was great to go rounds and show that the little guy can still make a big splash,” said Lagana. “All we need is that lightning bolt to strike again.”

Atlanta will also bring a different look to the Lagana machine as the blue and black colors of National Tire & Battery (NTB) will be showcased. Additional sponsors for the weekend include McLeod Industries and the Hampton Inn of Flowery Branch, Ga.  

“We are excited with the team’s performance,” said Bob Crostarosa, senior vice president, marketing, TBC Retail Group. “They are really shining in this NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. We look forward to watching them move up in the ranks.” Tire Kingdom is a premier sponsor of Paul Richards Racing. Headquartered in Juno Beach, Fla., Tire Kingdom Inc. is one of the nation’s largest independent retailers in the tire and automotive services industry. As part of the TBC Retail Group, it operates more than 700 company-owned stores under the brands Tire Kingdom, National Tire and Battery, and Merchant’s Tire and Auto Centers. Additionally, the TBC Retail Group includes nearly 500 franchise Big O Tires retailers. For more information, log on to www.TireKingdom.com.