Championship Drag Racing

CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals
Joliet, IL
(June 8-11)

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Scott Weis Serta/Barrett Enterprises dragster

Chicago, prerace: Scott Weis is looking forward to returning to his home away from home at Route 66 Raceway, a short distance away from downtown Chicago, the headquarters of his sponsors, the Chicago Council of Carpenters and Barrett Enterprises for this weekend's running of the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals.

Weis will have plenty of company in the form of Union Carpenters, apprentices and management to help support the Barrett Enterprises/Council of Carpenters Top Fuel dragster.

"We have good momentum coming into the race in our sponsor's hometown," Weis happily explained. "We will have 500 of our supporters cheering us on and we help them discover the NHRA POWERade drag racing experience. They get to see first hand what teamwork is about and how it reinforces what they are taught at the Carpenters Training Center."

 Weis was invited to display and fire up his 7,000 horsepower dragster on June 3, at the Chicago and Northeast Illinois District Council of Carpenters Apprentice and Training facility in Elk Grove, IL. Weis had the opportunity at the open house and Delegate meeting to impress the members and provide them behind the scenes access to understand what goes into running the fastest accelerating machine on the planet.

"It seems that our partnership with Weis Racing has provided our young members a better connection, a better sense of pride, and a better sense of pride and purpose for belonging to the Carpenters Union," said William Rabinak, President of Local 1889 and Trustee of the Chicago regional Council of Carpenters. "It is another way of enhancing communication with the membership. Obviously to any members that are racing fans, this marketing program really makes them proud of their union and gives them a personal ownership feeling about their union's involvement. This is the 'Carpenters Car.' I also think these members take more interest in their union because they now have that common bond that they may not have felt previously. Away from the racetrack these members seem to have become more connected to their union and this helps change some attitudes with a kind of a good ripple effect."

Weis reflected on his semifinal appearance and string of 4.5-second blasts at the 2004 Chicago event, hoping they will return this year.

"The ultra-fast Route 66 Raceway is one of the finest facilities on the tour," said Weis, "and under the command of 'Skippy' (Garry Kennedy, co-crew chief) making horsepower and motivating our crew, we are looking to consistent runs in the 4.50's."

"As always, we have invited any carpenter to stop by the pit-side hospitality area to meet Scott and watch the crew do their thing," added Rabinak. "All we need is a little good weather and things should be great this weekend. I am looking forward to everyone having a good time."

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