Chicago Bob Vandergriff Returns to Top Fuel Circuit

JOLIET, Ill. - - After a two-race hiatus to concentrate his efforts on finding a marketing partner, Bob Vandergriff, Jr., driver of the Vandergriff Motorsports Top Fuel Dragster, returns to the NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series at the Prestone Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Dragway in Joliet, Ill.

Vandergriff, who is currently 12th in the NHRA Winston Top Fuel point standing decided he needed to maintain visibility at selected events so that he might interest potential sponsors.

“We have used the off time to our advantage,” said Vandergriff. “We are still actively seeking a marketing partner and are continuing to have active negotiations with several companies. With our crew still in tact and working on our equipment on a daily basis, we are able to pick and choose the events that will best highlight the operation of Vandergriff Motorsports.

“Also, the Top Fuel category is dependent on staying up with the latest technology and we must be racing to have access to that technology. And, I can't afford to lose any driving advantage I may have by sitting out for a long period of time. The competition is too close to come back and be playing catch up,” continued Vandergriff.

In addition to his search for a major sponsor, Vandergriff has immersed himself in the running of Vandergriff Motorsports and Split Second Speedgear, motorsports apparel companies that he owns and operates with graphic artist Greg Ozubko.

And it goes without saying, he found much needed time to pursue his number one passion - - when not on the race track - - golf.

“Actually the real reason I had to return is that I was playing way too much golf. I started out playing real good but then good turned to bad and I decided it was time to give my golf game a rest and return to the quarter-mile,” Vandergriff said with a big tongue-in-cheek smile and a wink.