Johnny Rocca Names Replacement Driver

January 21, 1999

Prolong Super Lubricants Renews Contract With Ironhorse. Veteran Aussie Driver Troy Critchley Named To Drive The Mercury Pro Modified

LEESBURG, VA.--- There were a lot of smiles in Leesburg, Va., as Johnny Rocca and his tireless crew announced another season's involvement with Prolong Super Lubricants for the 1999 season. Terms of the deal were not announced, but it is certain that the popular, supercharged and fenderskirted Mercury will be at all IHRA/Snap-On Tools events.

Troy Critchley made a definite impression on car owner Johnny Rocca at the Snowbird Nationals last December in Bradenton, Fl. The image that the former Australian National Drag Racing Association standout conveyed was enough for him to choose the colorful pilot to take over the driving chores when he opted for semi-retirement. The appointment is something that Critchley has longed for since coming to the States early last year.

"We have some good drivers in Australia, but the States provides the action and the best doorslammer racing," explained Critchley. "Granted, the styles are different in race car set-up, but the goal remains common, in that all the drivers want to win. I am going to give this my all and I know Johnny is going to give me the kind of car and engine program that I will need to win with."

Rocca feels that his choice of drivers was a logical one. He explains, "Troy has raced with a lot of supercharged entries in his native homeland. He came over last season and proved to be a valuable part of our team. From what I have seen of him so far, I think we are going to be a serious contender for the championship."

Critchley first drove for Rocca in November of 1998, behind the wheel of the "Tin Indian" 1933 Willys. He was the low qualifier at the Snowbird Nationals with a 6.4 second barrage despite haven't driven a race car in nearly nine months. The Aussie driver is most notably known for his plaudits in a supercharged, Ford Econoline that ran in the 6.2 second range.

He will make his debut in February at the annual test and tune session at Darlington International Dragway. It is uncertain as to whether he will drive the new Mercury scheduled to come forth from Cannon & Pittman Race Cars or the Tin Indian '33 Willys at the event.