Mac Tools U.S. Nationals presented by Lucas Oil Pro Stock-winning team owner Kenny Koretsky has added the Tonglet Racing Suzuki Pro Stock Motorcycle team and Indy champ LE Tonglet to his Nitro Fish lineup for the remaining five Countdown to the Championship races. Tonglet’s first event with the bike’s new colors is the O’Reilly Auto Parts Nationals, Sept. 16-19, at zMax Dragway in Charlotte.

“We want to thank Kenny for helping us,” said LE, the family’s youngest driver. “Getting Nitro Fish as a sponsor is going to boost our spirits going into Charlotte, and it is really going to help out going to each race after that.

“We have a bike that can potentially win the championship now, and with Kenny and Nitro Fish onboard, we have a backup,” he continued. “Now we don’t have to worry if we are going to be at the next race or if this will be our last race. That really takes the burden off us.”

The U.S. Nationals triumph was the second in his first full season of NHRA racing. He was runner-up in Madison in his fourth race and went to the winner’s circle two races later in Chicago. His team includes his father, Gary, and brother, GT.

Gary had three top 10 NHRA finishes during his career, and GT added to the family tradition with four top 10s. They serve as co-crew chiefs for LE.

“The Tonglet family has been racing for a long time, and LE is an excellent driver,” Koretsky said. “He showed Monday that he is capable of winning the championship. He is definitely a top contender for NHRA’s rookie of the year award.”

Tonglet qualified second at the U.S. Nationals behind Andrew Hines and in front of Eddie Krawiec. He ousted Krawiec in the semifinals and erased Hines’ title hopes in the final with the quickest elapsed time of eliminations, 6.869, at 195.22 mph.

“Our Suzuki is going to have a whole different look at Charlotte,” Tonglet added. “I’m looking forward to seeing how everyone reacts when we unveil it.”