Goodyear Racing Norwalk summary

MILLICAN, THREE OTHERS WIN ON GOODYEAR TIRES IN IHRA EVENT

NORWALK, Ohio (Aug. 29, 2005) -- Clay Millican led a group of four drivers that used Goodyear tires to win a professional title during the International Hot Rod Association's biggest race of the season, the Skull Gear World Nationals at Norwalk Raceway Park.

Millican won in Top Fuel. The other Hooters IHRA professional winners using Goodyear tires were Mike Castallana (Pro Mod), Jim Sickles (Alcohol Funny Car) and Steve Spiess (Pro Stock).

Millican has been the driver to beat in IHRA Top Fuel racing for several seasons, but he had a familiar first-timer racing him for the title in the final round. Cory McClenathan, the veteran NHRA racer, competed at Norwalk for the first time. But Millican defeated McClenathan in the finals with a 4.752-second run, hitting 303.98 mph. McClenathan's time was 4.901 seconds and 285.59 mph.

Castallana used his victory to take over the points lead in Pro Mod. He turned in a 6.613-second pass at 168.30 mph in the final.

Sickles maintained his streak in the World Finals with his Funny Car win. It marked his third straight victory in the event. He had to beat two-time defending series champion Rob Atchison in the final round.

Pro Stocker Steve Spiess maintained a streak of his own. His victory at Norwalk was his third straight, capping a late-summer hot streak.

-goodyear