Racer of the Month

July's Racer of the Month is Dan Phelps

Dan began racing at age 14, purchased a '68 Camaro 5-speed to start with – bought a '75 V-8 Monza and transformed Monza into a "sleeper" street car in the early 80's where he ran Bret Kepner's infamous "Pro Street" heads-up races. Went to work for Jerry Haas and raced with Jerry and Darrel Alderman in IHRA for several years.
Dan lives outside of St. Louis in Eureka, Mo. His local track is Gateway International Raceway.

A personal, serious effort to race started in 1994 with his first taste of Big Money races scoring as runner-up in a $5,000 race. That money went directly to Danny Nelson's Racecraft Chassis for the purchase of his first dragster (multi-colored).

In 1995, he raced the Meek & Parks Quick Series and placed 6th overall. Dan won three Mega Bucks races at Gateway ($5,000 each) and was runner-up in one. He won the points for that series with four colors placing 1st, 3rd, 6th, & 8th. The second weekend of this Mega Bucks race was the weekend Dan went 33 consecutive rounds in one day.
1996 Mega Bucks-oops.

1997 purchased his second Danny Nelson car and in that year collected over $30,000 in winnings including 6th place at the 2nd Million Dollar race at Huntsville. Runnered-up at Gateway's $10,000 Mega Bucks race, won the Hot Rod Power Fest Super Pro Race for $3,000, all in the Generic dragster (white/bar code).

Purchased his 1998 Race Tech Dragster (dark w/ flames) and has dabbled in running NHRA Super Comp. To start off 1999, right-entered 2 S/C races- St. Louis Div. 5/3 meet and won, Bowling Green KY div 3 meet and runnered-up. 1998 won Best Appearing Car at the Sears Craftsman Div 3 ET Finals. Backed up his 1997 Hot Rod P/fest win with a 1998 win in Super Pro $3,000. Dan and Melodie race at most Big Money races in the midwest from Nobel Oklahoma, Mid- Michigan and on south to the Florida series in November. Dan plans on attending most of the same races this year as last.

Sponsors: Greg Cullum's Transmissions to Go, Russ Farmer at Race Tech, Barry Grant fuel systems, Greg Moss at GMR Trailers, Brian & Ron Folk at Folk Race Cars, Ike & Pat Hamma at Digital Delay, Clyde & Laura Taylor at Taylor made Signs/Photos, and Jim Evans Racing (engine builder).

Dan's fastest pass 7.96 at 169 mph in his Race Tech Four-link dragster.
Past 4-1/2 years of racing: 40 wins and 17 runner-ups.