Homecoming '07

Racing in Michigan

Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals August 3-5, 2007 at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.

2007 NHRA Western Conference Finals - Morrison, CO

New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe checked one thing off of their “to do list” recently…race on the mountain at the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing Western Conference Finals at Bandimere Speedway near Denver, CO.

The team arrived at the track on Monday for the testing session, and competed or made time trials every day before departing Saturday night for the return trip to Texas.

“Racing at 9,000’ of adjusted altitude was an experience as well as traversing the multi-tiered facility, but we had a great time and Ayrton came home with some nice hardware, just not the one trophy he went for, the Wally,” said Lisa Gerthe.

Alesi competed in the Wicked West Coast 330’ Shootout, just barely missed making the 32 car field and competed in the 16-17 year old age group and went out in round two. Ayrton competed in the Mile High Shootout bracket race on Wednesday and went down to the final 15 cars and received a plaque, and on Saturday evening went to the quarter finals in the 15 year old age group and received a trophy and a $500 savings bond.

Pine Valley Divisional - July 13-15, 2007

Lufkin, TX - New Breed Racing attended the third stop of the Division 4 Summit Pro-Am Tour at Pine Valley Raceway. We made a few test passes Friday night, and on Saturday Alesi made a couple passes and Ayrton was only able to make one before the rains came and the event was postponed until the next day. Sunday morning brought clear skies and high humidity but we were able to get the races underway. Alesi and Ayrton both went out in round two and we loaded up and headed home late Sunday evening. Next stop for the tour is San Antonio Raceway in mid-August.

Terry McMillen wins Top Fuel in Edmonton.

Our friend Terry McMillen won his first Iron Man last Sunday in Edmonton, Canada. I know he along with his family and crew are very excited and I only wish that we could have been there to help them celebrate! The live updates of the racing action seemed to take forever and we were all extremely excited when my mom told us that Terry had won. It wasn't long before we got the phone call from the winner's circle with Terry on the other end. Maybe both of us will make it to the winner's circle in a few weeks in Martin, Michigan. The win couldn't have happened to a nicer person. Great job Terry!

Alesi

July 4th and a birthday.

We spent a relaxing 4th of July at home doing some routine maintenance on the rig. Later on that afternoon we went to some friends to celebrate the 4th and their granddaughter's first birthday. We can't believe Ashlyn is already a year old...this past year has flown by and it's amazing how much she has grown. We watched a little Drag Racing after the birthday party then headed home since Dad had to work the next day. I hope you all had a fun and safe 4th of July. See you at the races!
Alesi

Skull Shine Sooner Nationals - Tulsa, OK

June 21-24, 2007 - The Skull Shine Sooner Nationals became a race that would seem to never end. After rain cancelled the original event in May, it was rescheduled for June and teams still had to practice patience due once again to rain. Ayrton helped the Hoosier Thunder Motorosports team with crew duties on Terry McMillen's Alcohol Funny Car, while Alesi gained more seat time in her Quick Rod. The Friday Sportsman Appreciation race brought in more racers for the weekend, including our friends, Michael & Philip Pennington and their family, along with Chris Talley. They all raced their roadsters in the Super Rod category.

Houston Raceway - Baytown, TX

June 15-17, 2007 - Duane, Alesi & Ayrton joined Brand X Racing Engines for a weekend of racing at Houston Raceway Park. Although, Alesi was the only one able to make a pass before rains cancelled the event, they enjoyed spending time with the Shapely's and all their jr. dragster racing friends.

Alesi went to great lengths to help a child...through Locks of Love

Alesi received the following by mail...

Dear Alesi,
Thank you for your generous hair donation! Your selfless act of kindness will benefit a Locks of Love recipient and change their life for the better. Most of our recipients suffer from an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. Other recipients are cancer survivors, victims of trauma such as burns and rare dermatological conditions that result in permanent hair loss. Your donation of hair will help return smiles to the many varied faces of our children. On behalf of those children, their families and the Board of Directors, THANK YOU - YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!!

Madonna Coffman
President
www.locksoflove.org

Ayrton Gerthe wins Ironman in Tulsa

May 4, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Ayrton Gerthe participated in the second stop of the IHRA Summit Pro-Am Tour in Tulsa, OK, April 27-29, 2007. Ayrton drove his Jr. Dragster into the winner’s circle with top honors in the Masters Class on Sunday, and down to the final five cars on Saturday, propelling him into the number two position in points.

“It’s been a while since I won an Ironman, but things fell into place for me this weekend,” continued Ayrton. “I came to Tulsa really determined, and all our hard work paid off; this one’s for all our sponsors who have been there for our team, supporting us in so many ways.”

Alesi @ RHS Prom - April 28, 2007

Alesi Gerthe was escorted by Chance Betchan to the 2007 Rockdale High School Prom, held April 28, 2007 at the Patterson Civic Center in Rockdale, TX. After a limousine ride to dine at Cool River Cafe just outside Austin, Texas, the group toured the capitol and various other sites before returning to join classmates at their prom.

Spring Fling - Kennedale, TX

April 22, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe, participated in the RPM Club’s Jr. Dragster Spring Fling April 14-15, 2007 at Texas Raceway just south of Ft. Worth, TX. Alesi Gerthe, assisted the team with crew duties and was also hired to drive an outlaw jr. dragster during the weekend. Ayrton Gerthe had a great weekend, driving his jr. dragster all the way down to the final five cars in the 15-17 yr. age category.

Alesi also recently donated another twelve inches of hair to Locks of Love. “Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.” –www.locksoflove.org

“A little more than a year ago, I donated around 12 inches of hair and decided when it grew out, I would donate it again”, continued Alesi. “We have a student at our jr. high school who has lost her hair due to cancer treatments and every time I see her, it makes me feel good about donating my hair.”

IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA

March 28, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe, participated in the IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway March 23-25, 2007. Alesi Gerthe competed for the first time in her ’02 Mullis Dragster in the Quick Rod category, making the necessary adjustments to go from running the 8.90 Index to the shortened 5.70 Index after track conditions forced the event to be contested to the eighth mile versus the traditional quarter mile. In round one, Alesi posted a 5.70 winning run and continued on, but went out in round two. Ayrton Gerthe assisted crew members on the InstiGator Funny Car during the event.

NAPA Display - Distribution Center - March 2007

March 20, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe, joined the InstiGator Funny Car team at the NAPA Distribution Center in San Antonio, Texas earlier today. The team spent the day displaying the race cars, along with Terry McMillen’s InstiGator Funny Car team, at the Napa Distribution Center in San Antonio, Texas. McMillen signed autographs, KZEP 104.3 – San Antonio’s Classic Rock Station provided a live broadcast, and BBQ was also served.

“We appreciate Steve Anderson and NAPA for giving us the opportunity to display our quick rod and jr. dragster race cars with the InstiGator. We’re looking forward to this weekend’s IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts, and today’s interaction with the crowd really got things kicked off in a great way,” concluded Lisa Gerthe.

San Antonio Divisional - March 2007

March 20, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Ayrton & Alesi Gerthe, attended the first stop of the 2007 Division 4 Pro-Am tour at San Antonio Raceway.

Ayrton competed in the Jr. Dragster Master’s Class, while Alesi competed in the Quick Rod Class.

“The weekend didn’t end up as we’d planned, with Ayrton going out both days in the first round and we continually fought with Alesi’s car all weekend,” said Lisa Gerthe. “People have been telling us the big cars are much easier to tune and run than the jr.’s, but it didn’t appear to be the case for us this past weekend. I do have to say, the outpouring of help in our pits and the phone calls was very humbling; I lost count of how many folks came over, friends and strangers, to lend a hand and it was noticed by many. They all made a tough situation better by knowing we truly do spend our time with a great group of people.”

The team will spend this afternoon, along with Terry McMillen’s InstiGator Funny Car team, at the Napa Distribution Center in San Antonio, Texas displaying the race cars.

“We appreciate the opportunity Steve Anderson and Napa has given us, along with Terry McMillen, to join them in the pre-race events this week, gearing up for the IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts. We are proud to be a part of the display and look forward to spending time with everyone. The team is also looking forward to extending a ‘big Texas welcome’ to our other partners attending; we are supported by the best in the racing industry,” concluded Gerthe.

March 2007 - San Antonio Jr. Nationals

March 13, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Ayrton & Alesi Gerthe, kicked off their 2007 race season this past weekend at their home track, San Antonio Raceway, by participating in the IHRA Jr. Dragster Nationals. Ayrton Gerthe, winner of the 2004 San Antonio Jr. Nationals 12-13 year old class, made it to the quarter finals and the final 5 cars in the 7.90 Index on Saturday. Alesi Gerthe qualified in the sixth spot in the Southwest 330’ Outlaw dragster of Brand X Racing Engines, and went to the finals in Quick 32 placing second on Saturday. “We had a great time and as a team did an excellent job,” said Lisa Gerthe. “As expected, Todd and Judy had a full schedule for the weekend and we stayed busy all day Saturday, but the weather took a turn on Sunday, the event was cancelled after several rain delays and will be rescheduled.”
The team will now turn their focus to the upcoming divisional and national and hope the weather cooperates this week so they can get in some much needed testing.

Staying busy while waiting for the drag race season to begin...

While gearing up for the upcoming season, we've been busy with other facets of our busy schedule, but we took time out recently to have dinner with Kim & Cindy Shapley with Brand X Race Engines. The Shapley's have allowed Alesi to drive their jr. dragsters in the past when their daughter Heather was unable to attend races. Since Heather has "aged out" of jr. drag racing, Alesi will step in this season and pilot their "330 Outlaw" jr. dragster at select events, beginning with the IHRA Jr. Nationals at San Antonio Raceway in March, along with Ayrton whose goal is to win another "Ironman" in the 15-17 yr. old category. Ayrton continues to improve his model airplane flying skills, although the weather has not been cooperating, and he has just about worn out the nitro r/c truck he received at Christmas. Alesi once again helped with the RHS boy's basketball program his year as manager. She really enjoyed traveling with the team, as well as getting to know fellow managers Marissa and Britny. Alesi is also a member of PALS and visits with students at the elementary school twice weekly, but was recently asked to speak with the 4th grade students to reinforce the campus character program, Right Choice. She also enjoyed a brief visit with Mrs. Meyer, current fourth grade teacher who also taught Alesi & Ayrton when they were fourth graders. We spent this past weekend at Lone Star Motorsports Park near Sealy, TX doing some testing with the dragsters. The season starts in just two weeks, so we are preparing for some "March Madness" of our own with back to back to back race weekends scheduled in March.

Drag Racer's Endure Central Texas Ice Storm of '07

Rockdale, along with Milam County and the majority of central Texas went 70 consecutive hours with temperatures below freezing during the mid-January ice storm that crippled much of Texas during its visit. The weekend began with rain storms, but by evening Sunday, the weather forecast was calling for a wintry mix and school children in our area anticipated the call for a "snow day". They would get their wish and would not return to school until 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Frozen precipitation that sticks usually shuts down our area and this one did, with vehicles having a quarter to half inch sheet of ice, not to mention the roads had black ice, especially the less traveled rural roads of our area. Over 2.5 inches of precipitation fell between Sunday, January 14 and Thursday, January 18, and included a wintry mix of frozen rain, sleet and yes, even snow! Any time we get frozen precipitation, everything comes to a stand still. City and highway crews are not equipped to tackle the daunting task of clearing the roads when they do not have the proper equipment, so applying salt, sand, and other de-icing products is about all they can do, except hope those that don't have to travel heed the warnings and stay home. Which, is what the kids and I did, but that wasn't the case for Duane. He works for the local lignite mine which provides the resources for the adjoining power plant and as he says, "you want heat, then I have to go to work". He managed the dangerous roads fine, but said there were several big rigs jack-knifed and in the ditch along with numerous other vehicles who found that sliding around on ice isn't always fun and should be left to those on ice skates!

Young Drag Racer Finds Trouble at PRI...from HoosierThunder.com

ORLANDO, FL - Alesi Gerthe joins Hoosier Thunder Motorsports for the 2007 racing season. She recently completed her licensing in Quick Rod with the Doug Foley Drag Racing School, but a recent visit to the Performance Racing Industry could cause problems for the up and coming teen sensation.

While other beauty pageant winners are having trouble staying out of trouble, this young drag racer just can't seem to find trouble, although she was asked to leave a PRI party.

When Alesi and parents Lisa and Duane tried to get in a private party, they were turned away, Alesi was not allowed to enter since she was underage, despite her parental escorts. It didn't take long for word to spread through the drag racing community. McMillen and Doug Foley decided to confront Alesi. After all, the last thing Foley and McMillen wanted was to be associated with one of those cute faces making trouble in the tabloids.

When all the teasing and jesting between the trio was complete, Alesi went back to working the PRI floor, meeting many new potential sponsors for her Quick Rod team. "Alesi is a great kid," McMillen said. "We just couldn't resist giving her a hard time. With all the young girls out there making names for themselves in the headlines, it's really nice have such a quality person like Alesi on our team. A lot of people in Texas know how good this young lady races, everyone will know her racing ability over the next few years."

With minimal drag racing during the winter months, we're passing the time...

December 11, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, are currently in their off-season from drag racing, but have found an alternative to pass the time, model airplanes. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster program, sponsor the Division 4 Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with TORCO Race Fuels, Amalie Oil, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs.

"Alesi & Ayrton’s grandfather, Gunar, recently began tinkering with model airplanes again, and it wasn’t too long before Duane was dragging out all of his model airplanes,” said Lisa Gerthe. “Gunar’s shop now looks like Santa’s workshop, at least a model plane workshop with numerous planes and when Alesi and I were sent on a trip to the local hobby shop for parts, Alesi spotted a trainer that the wonderful salesman assured us she would be able to fly in no time,” continued Lisa. “It’s really been a great way for all of them to pass the time during the wintry months and Alesi and Ayrton are picking up on it really fast. Of course, Gunar currently has the largest in the fleet, powered by a weed eater motor, and Duane’s is currently the fastest, so as you see, we are still keeping our skills polished in a competitive environment! And, the guys at the local hobby stores, the online and mail order stores, and the UPS delivery man are enjoying the added business,” concluded Lisa.