Scott Kalitta returns at Indy IRP event

Mac Tools launching second dragster; partnering with Connie Kalitta and Jesse James

Columbus, Ohio, June 13, 2003 -- In 1994 and 1995, Top Fuel dragster driver Scott Kalitta dominated the ultra-competitive sport of professional drag racing like few ever have by winning back-to-back world championships with the help of 11 event wins over the two-year span, including four consecutive victories in '94. Out of the driver's seat since 1999, Kalitta has been eagerly awaiting a chance to get back into the sport that made him and his legendary father, Connie "Bounty Hunter" Kalitta, famous.

Scott's wait is over. Beginning Labor Day weekend at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, the mecca of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series and its fans, Kalitta will take the controls of his new Mac Tools/Jesse James Top Fuel dragster for the remainder of the 2003 season. Scott will join his cousin and current Top Fuel championship contender Doug Kalitta, driver of the Mac Tools Top Fuel dragster, to form a two-car team for Mac Tools and Kalitta Motorsports. Team owner Connie Kalitta will serve as crew chief for both racecars. Team manager Jim Oberhofer will handle co-crew chief duties on both as well.

"Mac Tools is thrilled to be a part of racing history by bringing back two-time Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta," Mac Tools President John Aden said. "The Kalittas have a powerful racing family and with the introduction of this team, the Top Fuel competition has become even tougher."

"We are also proud to team up with Jesse James on this venture. Mac Tools and Jesse James have a multi-year contract together to produce co-branded tools and toolboxes. Jesse represents all of the great qualities of customers and Distributors. He proves that real heroes work with their hands," Aden continued.

Jesse James, owner and founder of Long Beach, Calif., based West Coast Choppers, has built a reputation on hard work and living the motorcycle rebel lifestyle to its fullest. West Coast Choppers builds custom motorcycles that are famous worldwide for their unparalleled artisanship and over-the-top flamboyance. James also stars as the hands-on dispenser of authority and creativity on the Discovery Channel's Monster Garage television series.

"Racing has always been an adventure for me," said Jesse James. "I think it's so cool to be an official part of this great sport with Mac Tools and the Kalitta family. The power behind this two-car Top Fuel Mac Tools team will be a threat later this season."

Scott Kalitta added, "I definitely think we can win a couple of races in 2003. Let's face it, I am not going to contend for the championship this year, but it will be fun to go out there and knock off some of the better cars and maybe help Doug go more rounds. With Mac Tools and Jesse James on board, we should make noise, loud and often. I think Jesse's involvement will really elevate the exposure of NHRA drag racing to a new level. Debuting at the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indy, the most prestigious race of the year, is going to be exciting for the fans and us. It is going to be a lot of fun. I'm ready."

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