McMillen wins IHRA Sportsman of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McMillen Honored With IHRA's Most Prestigious Award

December 13, 2005

Greensboro, N.C. - Terry McMillen, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports
team owner and driver of the Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car and the
Knoll Gas Motorsports LukOil Top Fuel Dragster, was honored with the
"Sportsman of the Year Award" presented by the International Hot Rod
Association (IHRA) at their annual awards banquet held this past
weekend. The IHRA considers the "Sportsman of the Year" award their
'Most Prestigious Award'. McMillen joins past recipients; Clay Millican,
Mark Horton, John "Doc" Sipple, Bruce Litton and Frank Teague along with
longtime friends Quain Stott and Mark Thomas.

McMillen, known for his quick wit and colorful interviews, was
caught off-guard as the announcement was made at the awards ceremony.
"It was truly a surprise and a great honor," McMillen commented
afterwards. "I really didn't know what to say or where to begin. Being
on that stage with all of the past winners was humbling."

McMillen, fighting an eye irritation, had not expected to attend
the event this year. "So many people - racers, sponsors, friends -
everyone, has called and offered prayers and well-wishes," McMillen
explained. "The out-pouring of support from the drag racing community
has been overwhelming. I would like to take this opportunity to thank
everyone for their prayers and support."

While McMillen may not have been 100% healthy going into the
IHRA Awards Banquet, it didn't stop the friendly banter that goes on
between rival drivers. McMillen wore his sunglasses to the evening event
to prevent light from aggravating his eye. During his acceptance speech,
3-time IHRA Funny Champion, Rob Atchison took a moment to note that the
Funny Car field would look a little different in 2006, pointing out that
McMillen would be driving a Top Fuel car and now wore sunglasses
indoors, suggesting that McMillen was "too cool" to race in the Funny
Car division any longer. While McMillen and the crowd had a chuckle,
Terry was already wondering how and when he would have a chance to
respond to Rob's comments. Little did he know that his opportunity would
come sooner than later when Terry was awarded the "Sportsman of the
Year". While the award itself left him almost speechless, it only took a
minute for Terry to put on his driver's suit and offer a "comeback" to
Rob's earlier comment. Terry suggested that the sunglasses weren't for
Top Fuel, but rather to diminish the glare that the stage lights were
reflecting from Atchison's head (Atchison chooses to shave his head).

One of the defining moments of the 2005 season came early for
McMillen. Coming off a career best finish in 2004, McMillen had once
again positioned himself with an opportunity to win his first event at
the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals. The final round showdown would pair
McMillen with then 2-time and now 3-time IHRA Funny Car Champion, Rob
Atchison. However, Atchison's car was wounded in a semi-final win
against 5-time IHRA Champion, Mark Thomas. Atchison's machine would
require a new engine. Making the call for the final round was not a
given for the Canadian-based team. McMillen and his crew were among the
first in the Atchison pits lending a hand. "That's just how it's done in
drag racing," McMillen said. "When we're on that line, we're fierce
competitors for about 6 seconds. In the pits we're a pretty tight knit
bunch." Atchison would go on to defeat McMillen in the final round.

Some say McMillen had sealed his destiny towards winning
"Sportsman of the Year" during that event in San Antonio. IHRA
president, Aaron Pulborn would disagree. "There isn't any 'one point'
that earns this award. It's one thousand points over a career. Terry
consistently works at putting us all in the best light. Whether it's
helping the IHRA sell tickets or taking care of sponsors, he does
whatever it takes to be successful."

McMillen was quick to add, "I get the credit. But, without my
team, the IHRA and great marketing partners, there wouldn't be an
opportunity to be in the position to win such an award. I couldn't have
done it without marketing partners like Amalie Oil, TORCO Race Fuels,
LukOil, XLR8, Fannie May Candies, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD,
Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams. It's a team
effort. My entire team consisting of Tad and Carrie, Brent and Denise,
Dale and Dorothy, Jim and Lynnette, Jack Todd and my wife Rhonda."

Another bright note for McMillen during the banquet was when he
learned that two of his sponsors (Amalie Oil and TORCO Race Fuels) were
nominated for "Sponsor of the Year". TORCO Race Fuels will add the 2005
"Sponsor of the Year" award to its resume. "I've always said that we
have the best sponsors in the business," McMillen added. "Amalie and
TORCO prove it year in and year out. I am very happy for Evan. His
passion for drag racing has never been more evident."

Evan Knoll, also responsible for the resurgence of the IHRA
Nitro Funny Car, was named Drag Racing's Man of the Year by the online
publication "Drag Racing Online".

Learn more about Terry McMillen at http://hoosierthunder.com


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For more information, photos or to arrange an interview:
CONTACT
Jim Walczak
615-415-7771
[ jim@squeakywheelonline.com
<mailto:jim@squeakywheelonline.com> ]

Rhonda McMillen
[ Rtd29083@aol.com <mailto:Rtd29083@aol.com> ]

Terry McMillen
[ trdt29083@aol.com <mailto:trdt29083@aol.com> ]