Commerce: Larry Dixon preview

Dixon To Debut 'Vote Miller'-Themed Dragster As He Aims For Three-Peat at Atlanta Dragway

COMMERCE, Ga. (May 11, 2004) - Two-time consecutive NHRA Top Fuel champion Larry Dixon will trade his traditional Miller Lite colors for a more patriotic look with the 'Vote Miller for President of Beers' paint scheme at the first of four three-race swings on the 2004 NHRA schedule beginning with this weekend's race at Atlanta Dragway.

"I think it's a pretty cool deal," Dixon said. "We live in America and have a democracy which allows us the right to vote for our leaders. Nothing is self-appointed. I think this is a great campaign by Miller to let the fans decide who the best beer is."

Dixon has powered his Miller Lite rail to three career victories at the North Georgia facility, including the past two seasons with master-tuner Dick LaHaie calling the shots for the Don Prudhomme-owned dragster. Dixon aims to drive his 'Vote Miller' car to the Atlanta Dragway winner's circle when the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series makes its only appearance in the Peach State, May 13-16, for the 24th annual Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals.

The only other Top Fuel driver to win the Southern Nationals in consecutive seasons is Gary Scelzi (1999-'00), while the only NHRA event that has seen Dixon race to three straight wins is National Trail Raceway near Columbus, Ohio. That being said, the 33-time NHRA event winner doesn't feel any added pressure to make it three in a row in Atlanta.

"You try to win every race that you go to," Dixon said. "I don't think there would be any more pressure to win at Atlanta than any other track. Any pressure you'd have at Atlanta is the same pressure you'd have going into any race on the schedule."

Last season at the Southern Nationals, Dixon drove his Miller Lite rail to the win and the head of the Top Fuel points standings, where he remained for the rest of the 2003 season. More remarkable than winning the race was the Miller team's rebound following a spectacular qualifying crash at the Bristol race one week earlier.

"With what our team went through and in such a short time span, it was a remarkable accomplishment," Dixon said. "To have half the team go back to Indy and prepare a backup car and then go to Atlanta and not only win, but run well showed what our guys are made of. When faced with adversity, they're up for the challenge."

Having won at a particular race track multiple times might make most people think that driver has an edge at a certain facility. However, Dixon knows that what happened in the past has no affect this season's event.

"I think the only advantage that it might give you is that you know at a certain point and time you had the right setup for that track and weather conditions," Dixon said. "It might give you an advantage making that many runs at that particular facility, but that's it."

Not only will Dixon and the Miller Lite team debut the new 'Vote Miller' car this weekend, but Dixon's Miller Racing teammate and NASCAR Grand National Series driver Jason Keller and his Miller High Life team will attend the NHRA event at Atlanta following Friday's Grand National race at Richmond, Va.

"I think it will be neat to meet Jason (Keller) and his crew and get to hang out with one of my Miller Racing teammates," Dixon said. "I sure hope he brings his earplugs to the drag strip this weekend."

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