News & Updates

Funny Cars are Serious Business for Hartley Racing

Omaha, NE – March 7, 2006 – Successful businessman and longtime racing enthusiast, Allen Hartley has expanded Hartley Racing with the addition of a Top Fuel Funny Car to run in the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) this season.

The funny car will make its debut in San Antonio, TX, for the IHRA opener the end of March and is currently in the Hartley Racing Shop in Wichita, KS preparing for the upcoming season. 

Gary Cooper, clutch specialist and test driver for the Hartley Racing’s Top Fuel Dragster will drive the Funny Car, while Jim Stallbaumer, current assistant crew chief will take on the responsibilities as Head Crew Chief this season.

Hartley, team owner and veteran driver, has been on the drag racing circuit since the early 1970’s. Hartley has only taken a break from racing to develop ProData, a successful software company located in Omaha, NE. Hartley returned to his passion in 1991 to race a Top Fuel Dragster, sanctioned under the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

Joe Hartley, Allen’s son and driver of the Hartley Racing Top Fuel Dragster will be joining the team in late June to race the dragster in the NHRA, after completion of his engineering coursework at Portland State University.

Hartley Racing will compete in both NHRA and IHRA sanctioned events throughout the 2006 racing season.

About  Hartley Racing

Allen Hartley, Hartley Racing owner, is a veteran driver and has been on the racing circuit since the early 1970’s. He has raced in cars ranging from a 1967 Camaro to twin engine dragsters. Taking a hiatus to start his business, ProData, a software company, he returned to the race circuit in 1991 ready and raring to get into action. With 1996 being one of his best seasons he has had two event wins, one second place finish, two national "Best Appearing Crew" awards and finished second in Division Five point standings.

Hartley Racing made its debut in the Top Fuel Eliminator class six years ago and continues to run a limited race schedule. Joe Hartley has taken over driving duties while Allen continues to own and run the team. For more information, contact Shelli Peck at speck@prodatacomputer.com.  Hartley Racing is based in Omaha, Nebraska, 68130, USA. Telephone:  402.697.7575;  402.697.7576 (fax)