Thomas Bayer from Fontana, California, driver of the Lucas Oil / Toyo Tires Corvette; added another NHRA “Wally” to his collection by winning the Super Gas class during the 2010 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Division 7 (Pacific Division) race at Merle’s SIR Dragway in Tucson, Arizona. Equipped with Toyo Proxes Drag Slicks, Bayer’s 1962 Corvette survived seven punishing rounds of eliminations challenged by high crosswinds and back-to-back runs. During his final round victory, he posted a top speed in the quarter mile of 150.51 mph with an elapsed time of 10.165 seconds. Bayer won the 2006 Division 7 Super Gas Championship and has won championships in Division 7 in Super Comp in 2006 and 2009 while racing on Proxes Drag Slicks.
Defending his 2009 Pacific Division Top Sportsman Championship, Gary Forkner, driver of the Toyo Tires/Lucas Oil Pontiac GTO, also had a great weekend in Tucson by finishing runner-up in Top Sportsman class. Forkner, who resides in Temecula, California, made it to the final round (round 5) of eliminations to post a 7.593 ET at 181.13 mph on his Proxes Drag Slicks. Forkner’s runner-up finish helps with valuable points while pursuing a back-to-back championship. He also qualifies to compete in the Jeg's All-Stars race at the upcoming Chicago National event.
“We congratulate Thomas Bayer for his win, and Gary Forkner for his runner-up finish this past weekend in Tucson,” said Stan Chen, manager of motorsports and events, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. “Once again, our Proxes Drag Slicks proved they can take you to the final round in harsh track conditions.”
