Phoenix, pre-race: A racing family with a name as synonymous with drag racing as the word burn-out has taken the RACEGIRL-sponsored Weis family under its rear wing. Kalitta racing has teamed up with another family-managed team with the intent on gaining a holeshot on the competition and leaving them at the starting line.

With the big guns in drag racing setting the example by running two cars, it makes it increasingly difficult for low-budget teams such as Weis Racing to compete at the national level. This new combination hopes the synergy created by the two teams will prove to be an unstoppable force.

Connie Kalitta, who has been involved in NHRA drag racing since its formation and who has five championships to his credit, passed the Top Fuel driving responsibilities over to his nephew Doug Kalitta in 1998. The younger Kalitta has certainly proved he is a chip off of the Kalitta block by laying down a new Winternational's record in Pomona, Calif., with a 4.48 at 332.18 mph. The Kalitta's who have helped other racers such as Shirley Muldowney get a successful start in drag racing are now doing the same for the Race Girl dragster driven by Scott Weis.

"With our drive and love for the sport combined with Connie's experience we are aiming for a shot in the top 10 and a chance for our first national event victory," Weis said. "Switching to a high horsepower combination proved to be difficult through four days of testing in Las Vegas and four qualifying attempts for our team in Pomona, but we have now gathered enough data to make a successful run in Phoenix."

 Weis hopes to climb ladder in Brainerd Brained, pre-race: Scott Weis continues to climb the points ladder and hopes to gain a step this weekend at the Brainerd event. After posting a personal-best third qualifying spot in Sonoma, Calif., and a final-round run in St. Louis, the RACEGIRL dragster is progressing closer to a top 10 spot. "The first half of this season has been rough, but since then things have finally come together and we seem to be on track," Weis said. "We took a step back to take a big one forward. It just took a little longer than we thought. None of this could ever have happened without the extended help from the Kalitta group, Mac Tools, and Lucas Oil." Within the last four events Weis has driven the RACEGIRL Machine up five spots, from 17th to 12th position in the POWERade point standings. "With the continued help from our sponsors, RACEGIRL and Lucas Oil, I am confident we will be going rounds," Weis said. "At Sonoma we picked up support from Sonoma Custom Machine for a single event associate sponsorship. Every bit helps. We are so grateful to everyone who makes this possible."

Indianapolis, pre-race: Scott Weis and his RACEGIRL Top Fuel team head to Indy with a brand new car and a totally new look. Gone are the traditional flames. In its place is a tribute to the men and women who are preserving freedom.

Motorsport paint veteran Chuck Buckler of Banshie Studios and Robert Chestnut, CEO of RACEGIRL teamed up to combine the creativity and air brush work needed to create a tribute car unlike any seen before. Buckler accepted the challenge of making a Top Fuel dragster look like a fighter plane with his usual genius. The car is an incredible likeness of a B-17 bomber complete with its own "pin-up" girl on the cowl. The car has been named the All American RACEGIRL and is befitting the honor worthy of those who fought in the "Big War."

"Our goal was to create a nostalgic theme that reminds us all to thank those who defend our freedom," Chestnut said.

In the meantime, Weis is poised to step up his attack on the elite Top 10 as he sits 12th in points. After a slow start to the 2003 season, the Weis team has shown they have what it takes to hang with the big guns in the quickest race vehicles on earth.

"We have a secret weapon this weekend as we unveil not only a new paint theme but also a new chassis," Weis said. "We have ventured into new territory as we have partnered with a new chassis builder with this car. The new car is fresh from Attac Race Cars in Charlotte, Mich., and is builder Chuck Lett's first venture into the Top Fuel field. Chuck's research and understanding will be a great addition to our arsenal.

"Confidence is now back in our program as we come back east. This is our seventh trip to Indy and we hope seven is our lucky number."

Weis is hoping his quest for the top 10 will really "take off" this weekend when the All American RACEGIRL dragster hits the famed Indianapolis Raceway Park track.