PR-TORONTO- Atchison wins third straight

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dennis Smith (519) 451-3890 dennis@atchisonracing.com

Rob Atchison makes it three in a row at AC Delco Canadian Nationals

London, Ontario Aug 1, 2005 IHRA Funny Car Champion Rob Atchison driving the Erickson Manufacturing Pontiac added to his points lead with his third consecutive IHRA/Hooters National Event win in a row at the AC Delco Canadian Nationals at Toronto Motorsports Park. Atchison’s points lead is now 106 points in his quest for his third straight IHRA Funny Car title.

“It was great winning at home with sponsors Brent and Connie Erickson and their girls here along with Jim Morley of West Coast Transportation and our great hometown fans, ” stated Atchison. My wife Julie had the weekend off from her busy TV schedule and it was great to win with her here helping us out. It was also really great to see the fans give the Veterans a standing ovation as IHRA President Aaron Polburn was introducing them during the pre race ceremony. I hope we got them the added exposure for the “ 2005 Year of the Veteran ” that they deserve. Special thanks to IHRA and Jenny and Whitney from Tysinger Promotions for helping us entertain and support the veterans and I know they really appreciated it.

Atchison captured his sixth number one qualifying spot in Saturday’s afternoon qualifying session lowering his track ET record to 5.760 in the process. Ironically the only two Canadians to make the field were paired in round one as Rob defeated Welland, Ontario native Larry Dobbs with a 5.825-242.10 to Dobbs’ losing 6.017- 232.11.

Round two saw Atchison defeat New England native Fred Tigges who cut an awesome .030 reaction time but Atchison’s 5.831- 241.15 was too much for Tigges 5.909-243.63. New York State native Jim Sickles defeated Terry Munroe to set the table for the final.

A promoter’s dream final as # 1 qualifier versus # 2 qualifier, # 1 in points versus # 2 and defending World Champion versus aspiring World Champion. Atchison saved his best for last as he tattooed Sickles at the tree with a .030 reaction time to Sickles respectable .086. Atchison was a few car lengths ahead on his way to a 5.892- 240.85 and his fifth Ironman of the season as Sickles parachutes deployed just past the 1100-foot mark causing him to run a 6.103-173.72.

“ The eight car field makes it difficult to increase the points lead with a victory so the points title is still up for grabs and more then likely won’t be settled until Rockingham” stated Atchison. Last year Mark Thomas had a big lead going into the second half that we were able to overcome so anything is possible. The AC Delco Canadian Nationals victory was career number fourteen for the London, Ontario native making him the winningest Canadian racer in IHRA history.

Next up for the Erickson Manufacturing Pontiac will be the IHRA Torco Northern Nationals at US 131 Dragway in Martin Michigan. Atchison is defending event champion and track record holder at this event. More information visit the Atchison racing Website www.atchisonracing.com.