Lucas Oil/Dixie Chopper driver wheels his dragster to an NHRA division win in Indianapolis INDIANAPOLIS (April 28, 2009) T.J. Schippling maneuvered his Lucas Oil/Dixie Chopper dragster to a Super Comp win this past weekend at historic O'Reilly Raceway Park in Indianapolis. It was Schippling's first win in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

"It's an incredible feeling," exclaimed Schippling. "It felt so good just to return to NHRA competition and to win that trophy is the best feeling."

Schippling had to endure seven rounds of close competition en route to the winner circle celebration. He combined 4 runs in the 8.90 elapsed time range including an 8.901 in the final round. T.J. coupled that with a .003 reaction time.

"I have to thank Bill and Dave and the entire Klomps family as well as our friend Mark (Snyder). I traveled with them this weekend and they were a huge help when the rounds got closer and closer together. They made this weekend possible for me and I am very grateful.

"I was so happy to get this Wally (trophy) for my dad (Thom), I owe him everything. A lot of people helped and I feel very fortunate and thank them all. It means everything to me to have the help and support from Lucas Oil in Canada, Dixie Chopper, APX Racewear, K&N, NGK, Auto Meter, Bell, Piloti, Mechanix Wear, Bella Water, and Fastpixs."

T.J. was racing at his first LODRS race since 2004. He started racing with the series in '02 and enjoyed immediate success with a quarterfinal and semifinal finish at his first two races.

"My father and I built this car to run Super Comp. Our focus shifted to Top Dragster in 2005 with limited 8.90 (Super Comp index) racing. We really chased this win for a couple years there. I've dreamt of winning one of these for a long time."

Indianapolis is the home of the US Nationals and is the most prestigious track on the circuit. This past weekend was the start of the Division 3 schedule. Schippling is seventh in NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 3 points.