Evan Knoll

Torco Racing Fuels has announced an interruption for its 2008 racing season. The break will include sidelining all Knoll Gas Motorsports teams, including those owned by Evan Knoll and sponsored by Torco Racing Fuels. However, the break will not affect sponsorship of the NHRA national events in Chicago and Richmond, Va.

At the center of the interruption is concern for the long-term health of Torco President and founder Evan Knoll, who suffered major injuries in a serious motor vehicle accident in November 2004. Knoll has remained at the helm of operations for Torco while making several visits to the Mayo Clinic for rehabilitation. He has also been working with several neurologists. He continues to have in-home, state-of-the-art medical care when treatment is necessary but is currently unable to travel.

In taking a season off from the rigorous duties of being a primary sponsor and team owner of more than a dozen teams, Knoll will be able to concentrate on furthering his recovery. Additionally, the organization is hoping to plan, strategize, and regroup its team efforts throughout drag racing, thus strengthening its chances of winning a world championship.

"This is only an interruption," said Torco Chief Financial Officer Latrell Preston. "We are not selling any of our racing assets including any of our race team properties, and we will also retain all leased property in preparation for 2009. We intend to remain a leader in the racing industry.

"In order to achieve the success we expect, we found it necessary to take a break with our teams. This is in no way an indication of us leaving the sport. We have a long-term commitment to the fans, racers, and racing industry. With Evan's health being our main concern, the shaky oil market and world economy, and our need to better strategize with our teams, we will simply be taking a small step back.

"We are definitely not leaving drag racing. With Evan's health concerns and our company's rapid growth, we found it necessary to take some time to organize and better plan our efforts. We are keeping our primary event sponsorship in both Chicago and Richmond in NHRA. This break is affecting our teams for this year only. We will be back in 2009 stronger and striving for a championship season."

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