Gainesville: Troy Critchley preview

GAINESVILLE, FL.- After two seasons behind the wheel of Johnny Rocca's Pro Modified Mercury, A change in direction by the team left Australian hot-shoe Troy Critchley a long way from home without a ride. But guys with his talent don't go jobless for very long, and when car owner Roy Singleton and driver Tommy Mauney ended their relationship after the Majesty Homes Groundhog Warm-up presented by 1320 Web Services in Darlington, SC in January, Critchley received a new lease on his competitive life.

For race fans, Critchley's reinstatement as a driver in the sport's wildest doorslammer class should come as welcomed news. Troy, 28, is a protégé of Aussie drag racing legend Victor Bray, and he brings the excitement unique to the Australian style of no-holds-barred racing to North America.

Critchley is looking ahead to his new position behind the wheel of Singleton's beautiful Majesty Group-sponsored supercharged '41 Willys. "This is an awesome opportunity for all of us"," said Critchley. "For Roy and his Majesty Group operation as well as for me. And with the NHRA bringing the Pro Modified cars in for five exhibition races this year, the great appeal that the class already has should just get better than ever."

Singleton adds, "We're going for the IHRA championship this year now that we have Troy in the driver's seat. I'm predicting that the Majesty Group Willys will be the car to beat in 2001. This team is out to win; we don't do anything less than first class"

There is a unique international flavor for this team, as team owner Singleton is African-American, Critchley is Australian and crewchief Chuck Ford is from Alabama.

-HC