Indy ORP: Bobby Lagana Jr preview

LAGANA SET FOR INDY DEBUT WITH FAMILY CAR

2007 has been somewhat of a roller coaster year for Bobby Lagana Jr. The team started the year off with an aluminum-sacrificing run that ultimately got them qualified for the first race. Following that was a runner-up performance and a few more parts eating races and then ultimately another ironman at the last stop on the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam series. Now the team finds themselves in a very different position then ever, the team will be heading to Indy for the U.S. Nationals. Lagana is not new to the Indy mystique, but never has he ventured there in his family and friends owned Top Fuel Car. "My Dad raced at Indy in 1966 but that was with an A-gas car called the American Challenge, this will be the first time a Twilight Zone nitro car will be run at Indy."

You might wonder why would Lagana venture to NHRA for the toughest race of the year, in the middle of the closest IHRA points battle in his career. "It's pretty simple Evan Knoll and Torco Race Fuels have asked us to go, to be honest with you just the phone call was one of the biggest honors in my racing career. I know qualifying will be tough, but we have some new parts and a renewed feeling of confidence. Our goal for the weekend is to make sure we look professional for Evan and also for representing the IHRA, then to go out and run to the best of our ability. For one of the first times in my racing career we have the parts to back up our goals. And lastly I want all my family, crew, sponsors, and all who help make this car go put a smile on their face because we are at INDY!!! I really want to thank Evan and the entire Torco gang for supporting us, and also to all my long time supporters you know who you are, THANK YOU!!!"

Indy will be the second stop for Lagana on the NHRA series, the team also is planning on running the Torco Race Fuels sponsored race in Dinwiddie, VA, and potentially one more NHRA race. Other than that Lagana will be concentrating on bringing home another Ironman on the Knoll Gas Nitro Jam Series.

-credit: www.bobbylagana.com.