New Breed Racing

Alesi Gerthe - Featured Racer

2010-09-01T17:20:00.005-06:00

New Breed Racing is pleased to announce that Alesi Gerthe is a "Featured Racer" on The Henry Ford web site. The Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation has joined forces with The Henry Ford to document the extraordinary history and accomplishments of women in motor sports through the development of an inspirational exhibit, "Women in the Winner's Circle: The Traveling Exhibit". Stories from Women in the Winner’s Circle: The Traveling Exhibit are part of The Henry Ford’s collection and will be featured in the institution’s upcoming $15 million, 22,000 square foot permanent exhibition on American auto racing called Racing in America.

The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan, is the world’s premiere history destination and a National Historic Landmark that celebrates American history and innovation.

Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation is a 501(3)(c) non-profit organization dedicated to professional development for talented, up-and-coming young women race car drivers and encourages women to pursue opportunities in automotive fields. The Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation conducts two primary programs: the Driver Development Academy and Project Podium.

2010-05-07T11:50:00.001-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe is pleased to announce her recent completion of Phase 2 of this year's Women in the Winner's Circle Driver's Academy. This Phase took place once again at Athlete's Performance in Phoenix, Arizona.
During Phase 2, the focus was on the business side of racing. Lyn St. James and her panel of experts covered topics such as branding yourself, sponsorship, media relations, and other information. “It was an honor to be invited back to Phase 2 and have the opportunity to experience and learn about on camera interviews, making speeches, and interacting with people, as well as learn more about the business side of racing”, said Alesi. “We also were tested on areas covered in Phase 1. Ms. St. James and her team provide a professional, first-rate program and I’m so pleased with the entire experience.”

Alesi Gerthe attends WWCF and NASCAR celebration in Daytona Beach

2010-02-22T11:06:00.003-06:00

February 22, 2010 – New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe recently attended a dedication and award ceremony at the Daytona 500 Experience in Daytona Beach, FL. Legendary race car driver Lyn St. James and The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan, teamed up to create a tribute to the history of women in racing, with Women in the Winner’s Circle: The Traveling Exhibit. The debut of the exhibit was held in conjunction with a day of celebration of diversity with NASCAR and the Women In The Winner’s Circle Foundation. Gerthe and/or her dragster are featured in the exhibit three times.

“To be part of an exhibit about women in racing is such an honor, and to walk through it gave me a renewed spirit and dedication to my love of motorsports,” said Alesi. “As a racer, there is something about being at the track and I had really only felt it before at the drag races. But when I had the opportunity to visit the infield and garages at Daytona, I came home with that same feeling, and I definitely know motorsports is where I belong.”

This exhibit, which recognizes the history, achievements and the future growth of women in automotive racing will be on display until March 2010 before making a five year tour. Legendary drivers such as St. James, Desire Wilson, Shirley Muldowney, Sarah Fisher, Ashley Force-Hood and Danica Patrick are all represented in the exhibition, along with thirty future drivers including Alesi Gerthe. During the ceremony, St. James also announced the donation of her racing archive to The Henry Ford.

A few of the awards presented at the ceremony were:
• 2010 Opportunity Award to Kelley Earnhardt, one of the most prominent businesswomen in NASCAR today.
• 2010 Outstanding Achievement Award to Ashley Force-Hood for her 2009 season in NHRA Funny Car, finishing second in the point standings.
• 2010 USAC Kara Hendrick Spirit Award to young driver, Taylor Ferns, from Shelby Township, MI.
• 2010 Leadership Award, honoring Paul Newman who contributed the first $10,000 to establish the Project Podium Scholarship Fund, was presented to NASCAR President, Mike Helton.

It was also announced that stories from Women in the Winner’s Circle: The Traveling Exhibit are part of the The Henry Ford’s collection and will be featured in the institution’s upcoming permanent exhibition on American auto racing. For more information on the exhibit, please visit: thehenryford.org. and www.lynstjames.com .

A new year and a new experience for NBR

2010-01-19T08:07:00.000-06:00

January 19, 2010 – Today, when classes begin for the spring at The University of Texas at Austin, New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe will be there ready to begin their semester. Back in Rockdale, team owner’s Duane and Lisa Gerthe will be making their own adjustments to a life not known to them for over twenty years.
“We are going to miss them, but educationally they couldn’t be at a better place. We plan to pour ourselves into our race program and develop a plan to deliver for our partners while working around their class schedules,” said Duane. “Change can be a good thing and we are going to use this time to grow our program in the direction so that we are ready for a full time schedule when they complete their studies. We are so grateful to have partners who not only support our race team on the track, but off the track as well.”

NBR ends 2009 Busy and Blessed

2009-12-31T11:52:00.000-06:00

December 31, 2009 - New Breed Racing closed out the year busy and blessed. Alesi and Duane attended the PRI show in Orlando, FL and stopped off at Walt Disney World before heading home. On December 21, the Davidson family added a new member with the arrival of Paisly Lynn. We had a blessed Christmas spending time with each side of the family and will close out 2009 with friends. We look forward to 2010 and all it holds for our team and family. Happy New Year!!!

Alesi Gerthe attends Lyn St. James Women in the Winner's Circle Driving Academy

2009-12-06T14:45:00.003-06:00

Rockdale, TX (December 6, 2009) –New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe recently attended the 15th Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver’s Academy in Phoenix, AZ. Alesi was among fourteen talented female drivers from around the United States invited to attend phase one of the academy which focused on fitness, nutrition and mental preparation. The program was held at a world class facility, Athletes’ Performance, and the weekend was packed full of information to help the participants continue on their path toward competing at the professional level of racing. “Ms. St. James and her associates have put together a first class academy,” said Alesi. “I am looking forward to the opportunity of attending the next two phases. Amanda Carlson, director of Nutrition and Research, helped me to develop a great nutrition plan and also gave tips on which foods are the best on race day to be at my peak performance. Eric Dannenberg and his entire team at Athletes’ Performance helped create a racer specific workout schedule to reduce fatigue and other physical issues while racing. Dr. Jacques Dellaire’s sessions on mental preparation were intense as well as enlightening and I can’t wait to apply my new knowledge to the track in 2010!”

Learn more about Lyn St. James and the Women in the Winner’s Circle Driver’s Academy at www.lynstjames.com .

2009-11-16T11:18:00.002-06:00

November 2, 2009 - New Breed Racing is pleased to announce that Alesi Gerthe has been admitted to The University of Texas at Austin and will become part of the Longhorn family when classes begin January 19, 2010. “It’s an honor to join The University of Texas family,” said Alesi. “UT will be able to provide me with an excellent education to go out and achieve my dreams.”

The University of Texas at Austin (also referred to as the University of Texas, UT, UT Austin, or Texas) is a public research university located in Austin, Texas and is the flagship institution of The University of Texas System. The main campus is located approximately .25 miles (0.40 km) from the Texas State Capitol. Founded in 1883, the university has approximately 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 16,500 faculty and staff.

On track for success: Rockdale woman a racing standout...TDTNews.com

2009-08-19T10:13:00.003-06:00

Jeanne Williams wrote an awesome article on Alesi in today's Temple Daily Telegram...if you have time, check it out.
TDTNews.com - Temple Daily Telegram
Source: www.tdtnews.com

Alesi Gerthe, 19, has been auto racing since age 11, when her parents organized New Breed Racing as a family activity for her and her younger brother, who is also a racing standout. (Read the entire article...)

Alesi Gerthe receives Project Podium Grant at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

2009-07-28T10:14:00.003-06:00

Alesi Gerthe, of New Breed Racing, joined fellow female racing veteran Lyn St. James for her foundations Women in the Winner’s Circle Awards Ceremony on Thursday, July 23, 2009. Gerthe and a select few accomplished female racers were recognized at the seventh annual ceremony held at the Plaza Village Pavilion at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. St. James emceed the event alongside ESPN/ABC reporter Jamie Little.

“It was an honor to be among such an elite group of women,” said Alesi. “To personally meet Ms. St. James and be around driver’s like Sarah Fisher and Melanie Troxel, being able to celebrate those who have helped pave the way for women like me to excel in a male-dominated sport such as drag racing, was awesome. Not to mention being able to meet other women racers from different forms of motorsports who are involved in racing today and realizing we make up the future of women in motorsports…it was truly a special day.”

During the ceremony, Project Podium partners awarded grants totaling $27,500 to distribute between six skilled drivers, including Gerthe. Grant applications were reviewed by a panel of motorsports professionals and then distributed on a matching-fund basis to qualified women drivers.

Founded by St. James in 1994, the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation holds true to its mission to advance women in motorsports and the annual ceremony celebrates the successes of women in the motorsports industry. NHRA has long been synonymous with providing opportunity for women so it was no surprise that it was well represented by NHRA President Tom Compton and Senior Vice President of Racing Operations Graham Light, and also O’Reilly Raceway Park’s Ron Anderson and Scott Smith. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owner’s Terry and Rhonda McMillen also attended to support Alesi during this momentous occasion.

“Drag racing has always been at the forefront in the motorsports industry when it comes to opportunity for women, just look at the success of Shirley Muldowney,” commented Alesi. “I know it is a long, narrow path leading to my dream of racing professionally in the top fuel category. I have no doubt that my affiliation with the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation and its programs will help in achieving my goals.”

Our visit to Indianapolis - July 2009

2009-07-27T10:28:00.002-06:00

By the time our plane landed and we snagged our rental car, we met Terry and Rhonda McMillen at our hotel just in time to make our dinner reservations at St. Elmo's in downtown Indianapolis. After a wonderful dinner, we headed over to the indoor go-karting track. Terry, Duane, Alesi and Ayrton looked like they had a blast and afterwards they commented on how they could catch up with Alesi in the corner's, but she would pull away in the straights....she quickly replied something like, "I can drive straight"! Guess she's a drag racer. The following day we attended the Lyn St. James Women in the Winner's Circle awards ceremony at the Plaza Village Pavilion at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Later that evening we headed over to Brownsburg, Indiana to drive by the race shops and came back by O'Reilly Raceway Park. We also toured the King Tut exhibit, but most of all enjoyed the nice, cool weather!!!

Pine Valley Raceway

2009-06-23T09:54:00.000-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe competed at the IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am races and Sportsman National at Pine Valley Raceway, June 19-21, 2009 near Lufkin, Texas. “It was great to have Alesi and Ayrton both racing again. Ayrton jumped back into his dragster and you would have never known he had not raced this season. The extreme heat Texas is experiencing was a struggle, but we worked through it and had a great time,” said Lisa Gerthe. “Our best day of racing came on Sunday with Ayrton making it down to eleven cars.”

Wolverine/Academy display and Tulsa National

2009-06-17T09:28:00.002-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe competed at her third IHRA national event of the season at Tulsa Raceway Park, June 13-14, 2009. The weekend began with a display for Wolverine at a Tulsa area Academy.

“We had a great time at the Wolverine Boots and Apparel/Academy Sports and Outdoors display. It is always fun to introduce potential fans to the sport of drag racing. Wolverine’s Jeremy Pevehouse brought all kinds of goodies for the display and fans had the opportunity to win a free pair of Wolverine boots. We would like to extend our thanks to Wolverine, Academy and Harmony from IHRA for putting together an awesome display,” said Alesi. “Rain delayed Sunday’s race and we were not able to race first round until around 3:00 pm. We lost a close race in round one, but I’ve put that behind me and I am ready to hit the track again this weekend."

Amalie Oil Texas Nationals

2009-06-03T14:49:00.003-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe participated at the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals May 29-31 at Dallas Raceway in Crandall, TX. “Last Thursday Dad and I replaced my transbrake button, changed the car’s launch RPM, put in some fresh Amalie Oil and polished our Mickey Thompson’s in preparation for the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals in Crandall,” said Alesi. “We struggled a little in qualifying and found ourselves qualified 47th. Sunday was a different story; the car ran well all day and we ended up making it to the quarterfinals and down to seven cars in a fifty-five car field. I would like to thank all of our friends who came out to support us at Dallas Raceway,” concluded Alesi.
Photo by Robert Grice

Ayrton graduates from RHS

2009-05-28T14:19:00.003-06:00

Ayrton Gerthe will close one chapter and begin writing another Friday, May 29, 2009 when he joins the Class of 2009 from Rockdale High School in celebrating an ending and a new beginning at their commencement exercise at Tiger Field.

Ayrton completed high school in three years as an honor graduate, finishing fifth in his graduating class. This fall, Ayrton will begin classes at the University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering and will pursue his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering.

Alesi attends Luke Bogacki's ThisIsBracketRacing.com Live Driving School

2009-05-12T15:17:00.004-06:00

While most children spent a traditional Mother’s Day weekend sending their mom flowers or taking her to dinner, I took my mother across two state lines to attend Luke Bogacki’s ThisIsBracketRacing.com Live Driving School. The school took place just north of Joplin, Missouri at Mo-Kan Dragway, May 8-9. It was a last minute decision after I spent the week finishing my college finals, but with one slot left in the class, I could not pass up the opportunity. After all, with multi-time event winner’s and champions Luke Bogacki and Brian Folk as your instructors, what racer would not jump at the opportunity? I had a great time. I learned many new strategies, starting line and top end procedures, and many other things…I cannot wait to get in my dragster and implement the things I learned. Luke and Brian were extremely nice and very patient with me, and if given the opportunity, I would definitely attend the school again in the future.

Following the school, Luke Bogacki commented, "Alesi did a great job within the TIBR Live Driving School. We threw a lot of challenges her way; she was in an unfamiliar car, which went quicker and faster than she'd been before. We used a full tree for the on-track portion of the school, when most all of her experience was on the pro tree. In short, we took her way out of her normal comfort zone. And she responded admirably. Both Brian and I were extremely impressed with her composure in the car, her progression throughout the school, and her attitude throughout the entire experience. There is no doubt she has a very bright future in the racing world."

My next scheduled race is the upcoming IHRA national at Dallas Raceway, May 29-31, 2009. To learn more about the TIBR Live Driving School visit www.ThisIsBracketRacing.com

Ayrton Gerthe attends RHS Prom

2009-04-30T12:10:00.005-06:00

Ayrton Gerthe escorted friend and classmate Kaitlyn Sieber to the 2009 Rockdale High School Prom, held April 25, 2009 at the Patterson Civic Center in Rockdale, TX. After a "LimBusine" ride to dine at The Oasis just outside Austin, Texas on Lake Travis, the group returned to join classmates at their prom.

IHRA Divisional - Tulsa Raceway Park

2009-04-23T11:13:00.001-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe attended the first set of races for the IHRA Pro-Am Tour at Tulsa Raceway Park this past weekend, April 17-19, 2009. “The weather forecast did not look very promising for the event, and sure enough we ended up running both days of racing on Sunday after storms moved into the area and cancelled Saturday’s racing,” said Lisa Gerthe. “In Day One action, Alesi went out in round two and in Day Two action she bowed out in round three with nine cars remaining. Despite the drastic weather changes over the weekend, the car was amazingly consistent, and we think we have found a reason for some of the inconsistencies Alesi has experienced in the past. As you can see from the attached photo by Robert Grice, Alesi’s dragster is carrying both front wheels off the line, so we think it is affecting her consistency. Thanks to Robert’s excellent photo skills, we will be able to address this issue.”

Makeovers and Medals in March for NBR...

2009-04-06T11:59:00.004-06:00

Since our last race in Baton Rouge, New Breed Racing has been busy with updating our golf cart and Alesi’s dragster, and Ayrton medaled at the UIL Academic meet. “We have had many conversations and thoughts about updating our pit vehicle and with a few weeks before our next race, we decided to tackle it,” said Duane. “And Alesi’s dragster has needed some body and paint repair, so we got that accomplished as well.”

Ayrton helped Rockdale High School achieve something that has eluded the school for over two decades, a first place finish in district UIL competition. He competed on the science team at the District 24-3A UIL Academic meet held recently at Blinn College and received two medals. The science team finished 4th, with Ayrton placing sixth overall and he was the top scorer in physics, which enables him to compete at the regional meet later this month. The next scheduled race for the team is the IHRA Divisional at Tulsa Raceway Park, April 17-19, 2009.

Announcing www.AlesiGerthe.com & www.AyrtonGerthe.com ….

2009-03-25T09:40:00.002-06:00

We are excited to announce that Alesi and Ayrton each have their own domain name which will forward to our team site www.NewBreedRacing.com. We hope this added feature will attract lots of visitors, so we invite you to visit our site now to learn more about our team!

Please forward this to anyone who might be interested, to help us spread the word.

Alesi Gerthe named to Temple College Fall 2008 President's Honor List

2009-03-20T09:28:00.001-06:00

Temple College recently announced the President’s Honor List in recognition of high academic achievement for the 2008 fall session, and New Breed Racing's Alesi Gerthe from Rockdale, Texas is among those listed.

“Education ranks at the top of Alesi's priority list, with drag racing coming in close behind," said Lisa Gerthe. "Alesi continues to manage a full load at college along with being very involved in helping the team with marketing, not to mention our race schedule. She continues to tailor her classes to best meet her needs with online and hybrid courses along with the traditional class setting. Racing and her dream of joining the professional ranks continue to appear in her short and long range plan, and she is doing an awesome job at keeping everything in focus and in the right perspective despite distractions and set backs that life sometimes throws your way."

To be named to the President’s Honor List a student must be taking at least nine semester hours of work and must have a grade point average of at least 4.0.

Alesi Gerthe competes at IHRA Mardi Gras Nationals

2009-03-18T10:14:00.002-06:00

March 18, 2009 – Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe competed at the inaugural IHRA Mardi Gras Nationals at State Capitol Dragway in Baton Rouge, LA, March 6-8, 2009.

“It was great to get back in my race car, and I am very excited about this season. The car was running great and I was hitting the tree,” stated Alesi. “First round my competitor and I both went red by exactly the same amount (-.013), but I guess that last number not seen on the time slip must have been ‘just that much’ worse. What are the odds; in my entire racing career I have never seen that happen. Thanks to Philip Pennington for testing Ayrton’s car for us, apparently we made the right changes over the winter! Despite our early exit from competition, we had a great time catching up with friends, the crawfish meal the track provided was authentic & fun, and we were able to cheer on our friends, including Terry McMillen.”

Alesi Gerthe applies for Lyn St. James Women in the Winners Circle Foundation Project Podium Grant

2009-03-04T17:51:00.001-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe recently submitted her application for consideration as a recipient of the Lyn St. James Women in the Winners Circle Foundation Project Podium Grant.

The nineteen year old college student applied for the Project Podium Grant, which goals are to ‘provide financial assistance in the form of matching grants to young women drivers to help further their early professional careers, introduce or further provide experience for young drivers related to the very important business aspect of the racing industry, increase the number of women winning races and championships in key categories of motorsports, and create a diverse talent pool of women drivers in the upper echelon of motorsports’.

"Lyn St. James and the Women in the Winners Circle Foundation are providing wonderful opportunities for young females with their programs, and I hope I am selected for the grant program. Thank you to those who sent a letter of recommendation for me. I also plan to submit my application to their Complete Driver Academy later this year,” said Alesi.

For more information on Lyn St James and the Project Podium Program please visit www.lynstjames.com .

About Project Podium: Founded in 2007, Project Podium is a program within the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1994 by Lyn St. James. Each year, up to $50,000 in funds are available to young women drivers who compete in all forms of motorsports including karting, quarter midgets, drag racing, sports car and oval track racing. The overarching goal of Project Podium is to provide financial assistance in the form of matching grants to women drivers to help further their professional careers. Secondarily, the Project Podium process introduces or further provides experience for drivers in the very important business aspect of the racing industry by the matching fund requirement. The grants awarded to up-and-coming young women drivers are not possible without the help of individuals, companies, tracks, teams, and series who make financial contributions to the Women in the Winner’s Circle Foundation. Current partners include: Championship Atlantic Series, Grand American Road Racing, Indy Racing League/Firestone Indy Lights Series, iRacing.com, Mazda, Newman’s Own, Mike Helton, NHRA Championship Drag Racing, Rolex, The NASCAR Foundation, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Ayrton Gerthe inducted into Temple College Honor Society

2009-03-03T17:44:00.000-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Ayrton Gerthe was inducted into the Lambda Theta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Temple College on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Ayrton is enrolled in dual-credit classes while completing his senior year at Rockdale High School.

Established in 1918 by two-year college presidents, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society serving two-year colleges around the world. The Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming. Membership eligibility is based on an overall 3.5 grade point average after completion of 12 academic credit hours in two consecutive semesters; therefore, membership is a special honor afforded to a small group of outstanding students. Students must be invited to membership in Phi Theta Kappa and must maintain high academic standing during their enrollment in the two-year college.

NBR ready to begin race season...

2009-02-26T17:43:00.000-06:00

New Breed Racing has been busy during the winter break from racing, and is eager to get the 2009 season started. With the new points format in the IHRA and the current economic situation facing our country, the team has decided on a different approach to their upcoming season.

Each year during the winter break, the team sits down and evaluates what the best plan of action is for their partners and team members. This year we took a closer look at each race, our personal schedules, and devised a plan to work for our present situation.

“Alesi continues to tailor her college schedule around racing so she can work toward her educational goals, while not sacrificing her dream of joining the professional ranks,” said Lisa Gerthe. “With Ayrton’s decision to graduate high school in three years, he has a full load of college and high school classes in order to graduate this May. As a team, we decided that in order for Ayrton to finish high school with the highest possible GPA, he will not race the first part of the season. This decision will also help our racing budget while we continue to work on securing more funding to help with our entry fees and travel expenses.”

The team also decided when the new IHRA points format was released that they would once again race on the NHRA side.

“With the new IHRA points format we decided to step away from our usual plan of chasing points, and allow our team to attend NHRA events as well. With our new approach, we will have more flexibility with our race schedule, and race a little closer to home,” added Lisa. “We are looking forward to this upcoming season, and are excited about the opportunities that await our team!”

PRI & Dallas Children's Hospital

2009-01-08T17:35:00.002-06:00

January 8, 2009 – Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing closed out 2008 with a busy December filled with the usual holiday gatherings, and also attended the PRI show in Orlando, FL and the Dallas Children’s Hospital.

“I finished up my college final exams early and hopped on the first plane out to Orlando to meet with our partners and make some new contacts at the PRI show. We are really excited about the 2009 race season. We spent one afternoon at Walt Disney World and had dinner in the Dolphin Resort at Shula's Steakhouse,” commented Alesi. “We also closed out the year with a visit to the Dallas Children’s Hospital, something I felt like our team needed to do. Thanks to the support of family and friends, including Robert & Kim Grice, George & Karen, Uncle Karl & Aunt Angela, Aunt Geri, Tasco Auto Color/PPG, Tommie & Susie Pounders, and Dad & Mom, Ayrton and I were able to distribute Build-A-Bears, coloring books, crayons, photos, and smiles to approximately forty-five patients. We plan to make this a yearly visit and my goal is to expand it each year to include more patients,” concluded Alesi.

Alesi Gerthe begins testing in the Amalie Oil InstiGator

2008-12-06T16:37:00.001-06:00

December 5, 2008 - While most people enjoyed a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday weekend taking in football games or catching the right deal on items at the local store, New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe was taking another step in her quest to become a professional drag racer by beginning her first experience in the Amalie Oil “InstiGator” Alcohol Funny Car.

Alesi met up with Terry McMillen and Hoosier Thunder Motorsports crew members Tad Heflick and Austin Lambright over the weekend at Tulsa Raceway Park. Alesi, Austin and Tad each took turns in the “InstiGator” under the watchful eye of team owner Terry McMillen.

“When Terry and Rhonda ‘adopted’ Ayrton and I back in the Spring of 2005, they began mentoring and grooming us in all aspects of our racing program with the goal of joining the professional ranks someday,” commented Alesi. “This past weekend I was able to take the next step toward that goal and I am very excited about my future. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to test in the Amalie Oil ‘InstiGator’, and we wouldn’t be where we are today with our race program without so many people, including our partners, and especially Terry and Rhonda. We couldn’t have picked a better group of people to be associated with and to know they chose us, is definitely an honor. They are committed to bringing up the next generation of driver’s, and I can’t wait for my next opportunity to gain more seat time in the ‘InstiGator’. I haven’t stopped smiling since we left Tulsa,” concluded Alesi.

Alesi Gerthe inducted into Temple College honor society

2008-10-22T07:54:00.002-06:00

Temple, TX - New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe was inducted into the Lambda Theta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Temple College on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Alesi is obtaining her Associates of Arts before transferring to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Established in 1918 by two-year college presidents, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society serving two-year colleges around the world. The Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming. Membership eligibility is based on an overall 3.5 grade point average after completion of 12 academic credit hours in two consecutive semesters; therefore, membership is a special honor afforded to a small group of outstanding students. Students must be invited to membership in Phi Theta Kappa and must maintain high academic standing during their enrollment in the two-year college.

NGK's new enthusiast website features Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe

2008-10-21T07:47:00.005-06:00

NGK’s new enthusiast website in now up! Please visit www.artoffast.com and click on the featured racers section to see Ayrton & Alesi’s profile.

Hurricane Ike's Aftermath on the Texas Coast

2008-10-01T11:17:00.001-06:00

September 27, 2008 - Alesi, Ayrton & Lisa took a road trip with their friends, The Carter Family, to the Texas Coastal area to view the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Please remember to keep these communities and families in your prayers. This area will have many days, months and possible years to get back on their feet again. The destruction of the storm is very hard to describe in words, photos do not tell the whole story. We toured the Houston, Kemah, and Galveston areas just two weeks after the storm. Much work has been done, but there is still much to be done.

Alesi & Ayrton meet Alexis De Joria and Sean O'Bannon

2008-09-26T10:59:00.000-06:00

September 20, 2008 - Ennis, TX - New Breed Racing traveled to the NHRA O’Reilly Super Start Batteries Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex just south of Dallas, Texas and took in a day of racing from a spectators view. The weather was great and we were able to spend time and talk with Alexis De Joria and Sean O'Bannon, driver's of the Tequila Patrón/Jack O’Bannon Racing Team's Alcohol Funny Cars.

Harwood Industries

2008-09-18T12:46:00.002-06:00

September 18, 2008 - New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe is pleased to announce that Harwood Industries has graciously added a photo of her dragster in their recent advertisement featured in NHRA’s National Dragster and IHRA’s Drag Review.

“With over 35 years in the industry, Harwood is the leader in aftermarket fiberglass for race, street and show,” commented Alesi. “At any race, whether nationally or locally, Harwood scoops are on the majority of dragsters, and I am honored that they chose to use my car in their advertisement.”

Skull Shine Sooner Nationals - Tulsa, OK

2008-09-03T12:46:00.000-06:00

September 3, 2008 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe made the trip to “Tulsa Town” recently to participate in the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park.

The team competed in Quick Rod, with both driver’s winning first round on Saturday, but bowing out in the second round on Sunday.

“All around we had a great weekend of racing. The cars and our driver’s both performed well,” said Duane Gerthe. “Ayrton also made his fastest pass to date, unintentionally. The heat and humidity forced us to make some changes to our normal setup so he was a little fast, but it only took us a couple of qualifying passes to hit 8.90. Ayrton actually hit it perfectly with an 8.900, but was a bit slower at the light than his competitor in round two. Alesi had a stellar .004 light in round one to pick up the win.”

The teams next planned stop was to be the Sportsman National at State Capitol Dragway in Baton Rouge, LA this past weekend, but Hurricane Gustav forced the event to be cancelled for 2008. Our thoughts and prayers are with those dealing with the aftermath of this latest storm.

Pine Valley Raceway

2008-06-23T08:48:00.000-06:00

June 23, 2008 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe attended the fourth stop of the IHRA Pro-Am at Pine Valley Raceway near Lufkin, TX on June 20-22, 2008. The team competed in Quick Rod and was very pleased with the outcome of their efforts for the weekend. “Both cars went rounds each day and we had our strongest weekend as a team this year,” said Lisa Gerthe. “Alesi went out in round two on Saturday and on Sunday went down to the final ten cars. Ayrton went down to ten cars on Saturday and went out in round two on Sunday. Their dedication and commitment in reaching their goal of going rounds for the weekend should definitely move them up in the points. We are very proud of their performance.”

A busy month of May...

2008-06-04T09:48:00.000-06:00

June 4, 2008 - The month of May was a busy one with end of school year activities. Many banquets were attended including the National Honor Society banquet which included the induction of Alesi and Ayrton. Alesi also attended the Rockdale High School Awards Ceremony and received numerous awards including a Bartlett Electric Scholarship, the English IV and Economics Award, and a plaque for all A's for the 2007-08 school year. The month ended with Alesi graduating with honors from Rockdale High School.

State Capitol Raceway - Baton Rouge, LA

2008-05-13T10:22:00.002-06:00

May 2-4, 2008 - New Breed Racing attended the third stop of the IHRA Pro-Am Tour when it made its way to Cajun Country. A full weekend of racing was enjoyed as well as a "Racer Appreciation Dinner" provided by the track which included the cooking of 2,500 lbs of crawfish along with potatoes and corn on the cob. Several of our racing friends brought home Ironmans including Philip Pennington and Dylan Lee.

2008 RHS Prom

2008-04-30T09:15:00.002-06:00

The RHS Prom was held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Patterson Center in Rockdale, TX. Alesi was escorted by her brother Ayrton and the two began their evening with other RHS students for dinner at The Piano Bar & Steakhouse before arriving at the prom. "With graduation just a month away, I am proud to announce that Alesi was chosen by her classmates as ‘Most Likely to Succeed’, said Lisa Gerthe. She was also nominated for Class Favorite and Miss RHS.”

Tulsa Divisional

2008-04-29T09:39:00.001-06:00

New Breed Racing, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe, recently attended the IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am at Tulsa Raceway Park .

After the event, Alesi is currently sitting in the number 17 position in division and 16 in national points, while Ayrton is 19 in division and 28 in national points.

The team will attend the third stop of the tour this weekend at State Capitol Raceway near Baton Rouge, LA.

"Ayrton gained his first round win at Tulsa and the adjustments on his car seemed to improve its consistency," said Duane. "Alesi continues to deliver a consistent package in her lights and at running the Index."

Post Race Update – Amalie Oil Texas Nationals, April 3-6, 2008

2008-04-08T20:15:00.001-06:00

April 8, 2008 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe competed in the IHRA Knoll-Gas Motorsports Nitro Jam this past weekend when it made its first stop of the season at San Antonio Raceway for the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals.

Alesi and Ayrton both competed in Quick Rod, the 8.90 Index class, and qualified in the number 10 and 11 position. In the Sportsman National event held Friday and Saturday, Alesi made it to the third round and down to nine cars, while younger brother Ayrton went out early. In the main event on Sunday, Alesi lined up against last year’s event winner in round one and advanced to the next round with the win, but bowed out on a double break out pass in round two. Ayrton went out in round one on a break out pass as well.

“We had a great time, starting out our week at the Napa display and right into a weekend full of racing. We had a rain delay Friday morning, which pushed the sportsman national into Saturday’s race day,” commented Alesi. “It was great to spend time with several of our partners; Amalie, Vickery’s, Mickey Thompson, Torco, and especially getting to meet all the new team members of Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, and we always enjoy visiting with Terry and Rhonda. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t go more rounds, but my weekend was capped off in a memorable way when Terry let me drive the Top Fuel dragster back to the pits from the top end after his final round appearance; down parade road in front of all the fans in the stands…that really made my weekend,” concluded Alesi.

“We had an outstanding weekend,” said Duane. “We are trying to get a handle on setting up Ayrton’s throttle stop and ignition, and I’m really excited about the gains we have already made in such a short amount of time this year.”

The next scheduled stop for the team will be the IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am race at Tulsa Raceway Park, April 18-20, 2008.

San Antonio Pro-Am Tour

2008-03-25T06:05:00.000-06:00

The 2008 IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am Tour made its first stop at San Antonio Raceway on March 14-16, 2008, and Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe of New Breed Racing were excited to officially get this season started. Alesi and Ayrton competed in Quick Rod, an 8.90 Index class. Ayrton made his debut and is doing really well adjusting to the many different things about his move to a full size dragster. Although he ended each day after first round, the knowledge he gained will prepare him for upcoming races.
Alesi is much more comfortable this year in her dragster and on Saturday she went out first round, but on Saturday went out second round. Next stop for the team is the upcoming Amalie Oil Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway, April 3-6, 2008.

SAR Big Money Kick-Off Classic

2008-02-26T08:33:00.002-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe kicked off the 2008 season at San Antonio Raceway’s Big Money Kick-Off Classic held February 22-24, 2008. Ayrton began his licensing upgrade on Friday evening and completed the required runs on Sunday to become an IHRA Quick Rod driver. “I was excited about getting my quick rod license last weekend, but the race was cancelled, so I had to do it this weekend. It was an exhilarating experience and I hope that many wins will follow later on in the year,” said Ayrton. Alesi went out second round on Saturday going .498 red and went out third round on Sunday when her car unexpectedly picked up several numbers. “I’m thrilled that Ayrton got his quick rod license because he has been looking forward to it for quite some time. He improved with every pass he made and I was very impressed with how well he did. It was great to get back into my car after what seemed like a long winter. My main focus coming into the weekend was to cut consistent lights and get ready for the upcoming divisionals. We had a minor car problem second round on Sunday, but luckily I had some great people help me out and we think we know what the problem is,” commented Alesi. The team will compete next at the IHRA Division 4 Summit Pro-Am Tour at San Antonio Raceway on March 14-16, 2008.

NGK renews New Breed Racing

2008-01-24T11:33:00.000-06:00

Lisa Gerthe, owner of New Breed Racing is pleased to announce the return of NGK Spark Plugs to their partnership family. “NGK Spark Plugs has a long history in racing ‘sparking winners’, and we are grateful they selected us for another season of racing. We joined them in 2005 when Terry & Rhonda McMillen took us under their wing to mentor Alesi & Ayrton, and we have been working together ever since. You can find NGK on the web at www.ngksparkplugs.com ,” added Gerthe.

About NGK Spark Plugs:
“Since 1936, NGK Spark Plugs has been the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, NGK manufactures NGK Spark Plugs and NTK Oxygen Sensors for virtually every automotive manufacturer in the world. NGK has built a reputation for quality and reliability, and a commitment to excellence continues to be the driving force behind the company’s advanced research and development programs. With state-of-the-art manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities, NGK is dedicated to providing customers with world-class products and services. In addition to serving OE automotive and aftermarket customers, NGK also produces spark plugs for motorcycle, power sports, marine and small engine manufacturers. NGK also offers complimentary product lines including resistor caps, spark plug wires, and high performance cables. In North America, NGK is headquartered in Wixom, MI and maintains manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities in Irvine, CA, Sissonville, WV, and Chicago, IL.”

NGK Mission:
"We improve life through the environmentally responsible manufacture and precise application of advanced ceramic technologies for all of North America. Focused on innovation and teamwork, we contribute to local and global economic growth by matching our products to our customers' visions each day, exceeding their expectations in quality, value, service and performance." NGK Website

Alesi's 18th Birthday Dinner, Gruene, Texas

2008-01-07T16:09:00.000-06:00

January 6, 2008 - Several friends and family members joined us for dinner to celebrate Alesi's 18th birthday in Gruene, Texas over the weekend. We arrived mid-afternoon and checked in at Gruene Mansion Inn Bed & Breakfast's Jackie's Hideway. Alesi was not aware our friends were joining us and we were able to keep the surprise until moments before everyone arrived. One of Alesi's favorite restuarants is the Gristmill and many months ago she asked to dine there on her birthday. We enjoyed spending the evening visiting with a few of our racing friends and we can't wait to get the 2008 race season started! Thanks everyone for a memborable birthday!!!

"The Gristmill River Restaurant: Situated on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River, this spectacular restaurant nestled under the shade of towering oak trees has been the perfect getaway for a unique casual dining experience for thirty years. Located in the historic district of Gruene just beneath the famous Gruene water tower, the restaurant opened in 1977 near New Braunfels on the banks of the Guadalupe River in the original Gruene Cotton Gin. The wooden structure burned to the ground in 1922, and all that remains of the water-powered mill today is the three story brick boiler room – now home to the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar." www.gristmillrestaurant.com

"Gruene, Texas...Gently resisting change since 1872 and located between Austin and San Antonio, and a little behind the times." www.gruenetexas.com

Happy 18th Birthday Alesi!!!!!

2008-01-06T00:02:00.000-06:00

It's hard to believe that eighteen years have passed since Alesi was "Rockdale's New Year's Baby of 1990". From barbie's and bows to driving dragsters, the time has flown and we've enjoyed every minute of it. Happy Birthday!!!!

PRI - Orlando, FL December 2007

2007-12-13T13:25:00.000-06:00

New Breed Racing recently traveled to Orlando, FL to attend the 20th Annual PRI Trade Show at the Orange County Convention Center, December 6-8, 2007. They met up with teammates from Hoosier Thunder Motorsports and took in the show, along with other attractions in the area. The team traveled to nearby Kissimmee to renew the now annual grudge match at the go-kart track, along with the dragster experience. We were able to visit with old friends and make new ones, and the first annual Torco Racing Fuels Meet and Greet was a huge success...and according to Alesi, it was much better than last year's event at Howl at the Moon! We closed out our trip with a relaxing day in Orlando taking in the shops, playing a round of putt putt golf and dining at Bonefish Grill before we caught our flight back to Texas.

Rockdale's Cowboy Christmas Ball

2007-12-05T09:42:00.000-06:00

December 1, 2007 - Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe attended the Rockdale Cowboy Christmas Ball held Saturday, December 1 at the Knights of Columbus Hall near Rockdale, TX. Alesi and Ayrton were asked by the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce to serve as a hostess and escort for the annual event, along with a few other students from area schools, in their ongoing effort to participate in community service. The crowd enjoyed Country & Western Swing Music and the event was another success.

2007 New Breed Racing Photo Story

2007-11-07T15:41:00.000-06:00

Click on the link below to view our latest photo story...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7442906434092273714

Tigers Take Bell From Yoemen

2007-11-03T16:36:00.000-06:00

For the first time since 2003, the Rockdale Tigers knocked off the Cameron Yoemen Friday, 43-21 at Tiger Field. For three consecutive years, the Cameron Yoe held the prized hardware that goes to the winner of the annual "Battle of the Bell." Both teams had already clinched playoff spots the week before, so the rivalry carried playoff position and not entry to the post-season. The Rockdale Tigers came out swinging early, taking command of the game on their first possession of the night and dominated the game. Rockdale put the nail in the coffin that would extend the lead to 43-21, with about six minutes left in the game. Rockdale racked up over 500 yards of offense, with 397 of the total coming on the ground. Meanwhile, the Yoemen were limited to just 77 yards on the ground, and 164 through the air. RHS players and students rang the brass railroad bell the schools have played for since 1954 through town well after midnight.

Ayrton received his Driver's License 10-16-2007

2007-10-17T10:12:00.000-06:00

Hey friends, just wanted to give you a heads up if you are traveling the highways of Central Texas…Ayrton received his driver’s license yesterday afternoon and made his first solo trip this morning. Alesi called to let me know he made it school safely. He is very excited and is now anxious to get his Quick Rod licensing behind him as well.

Ayrton's '91 Chevy wins at Super Chevy Show - San Antonio Raceway

2007-10-12T14:04:00.000-06:00

Ayrton Gerthe, a fifteen year old sophomore at Rockdale High School, received two awards at the Super Chevy Show held at San Antonio Raceway, October 5-7, 2007. Ayrton entered and won with his ’91 Chevy S-10 in the Mini Truck 2 WD Modified Category, and also won the Jegs “Young Star” Award.

Super Chevy Show – San Antonio, Texas

2007-10-12T13:41:00.000-06:00

Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe competed at the Super Chevy Show as it made a stop at San Antonio Raceway, October 5-7, 2007. Team New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe competed in the electronics bracket class, while Ayrton competed in the jr. dragster bracket class. “It really felt great to be back at San Antonio Raceway since I consider it my home track, and to see and compete with many of our racing friends,” said Alesi. “I adjusted to the regular bracket tree and went seven rounds over the two day period, and Saturday made it down to the final thirteen cars. It was different to not compete side by side like in quick rod. A few of the cars I raced were more than four seconds slower than me; I felt like I was back in the jr. 7.90 class chasing down a 12.90 car, and I was able to work on judging the top end at 160 mph,” commented Alesi. Ayrton Gerthe went several rounds in the jr. dragster class during the two day race, but he was really interested in the car show being held on the grounds that weekend. “This was probably one of my last races in a jr. since I’ll be sixteen tomorrow, and I’d been working real hard on getting my truck ready for the car show, so I had a busy weekend,” said Ayrton.
New Breed Racing plans to attend select bracket races this winter at San Antonio Raceway to prepare for next season. Alesi plans to compete in more national events, along with the Division 4 Pro-Am Series in Quick Rod, while Ayrton will make his debut in Quick Rod competing in the Division 4 Pro-Am Series and select national events.

Homecoming '07

2007-09-26T13:13:00.000-06:00

Racing in Michigan

2007-08-23T21:15:00.000-06:00

Torco Racing Fuels Northern Nationals August 3-5, 2007 at Knoll Gas Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan.

2007 NHRA Western Conference Finals - Morrison, CO

2007-07-30T22:04:00.000-06:00

New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe checked one thing off of their “to do list” recently…race on the mountain at the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing Western Conference Finals at Bandimere Speedway near Denver, CO.

The team arrived at the track on Monday for the testing session, and competed or made time trials every day before departing Saturday night for the return trip to Texas.

“Racing at 9,000’ of adjusted altitude was an experience as well as traversing the multi-tiered facility, but we had a great time and Ayrton came home with some nice hardware, just not the one trophy he went for, the Wally,” said Lisa Gerthe.

Alesi competed in the Wicked West Coast 330’ Shootout, just barely missed making the 32 car field and competed in the 16-17 year old age group and went out in round two. Ayrton competed in the Mile High Shootout bracket race on Wednesday and went down to the final 15 cars and received a plaque, and on Saturday evening went to the quarter finals in the 15 year old age group and received a trophy and a $500 savings bond.

Pine Valley Divisional - July 13-15, 2007

2007-07-18T12:04:00.000-06:00

Lufkin, TX - New Breed Racing attended the third stop of the Division 4 Summit Pro-Am Tour at Pine Valley Raceway. We made a few test passes Friday night, and on Saturday Alesi made a couple passes and Ayrton was only able to make one before the rains came and the event was postponed until the next day. Sunday morning brought clear skies and high humidity but we were able to get the races underway. Alesi and Ayrton both went out in round two and we loaded up and headed home late Sunday evening. Next stop for the tour is San Antonio Raceway in mid-August.

Terry McMillen wins Top Fuel in Edmonton.

2007-07-11T15:17:00.000-06:00

Our friend Terry McMillen won his first Iron Man last Sunday in Edmonton, Canada. I know he along with his family and crew are very excited and I only wish that we could have been there to help them celebrate! The live updates of the racing action seemed to take forever and we were all extremely excited when my mom told us that Terry had won. It wasn't long before we got the phone call from the winner's circle with Terry on the other end. Maybe both of us will make it to the winner's circle in a few weeks in Martin, Michigan. The win couldn't have happened to a nicer person. Great job Terry!

Alesi

July 4th and a birthday.

2007-07-08T14:56:00.000-06:00

We spent a relaxing 4th of July at home doing some routine maintenance on the rig. Later on that afternoon we went to some friends to celebrate the 4th and their granddaughter's first birthday. We can't believe Ashlyn is already a year old...this past year has flown by and it's amazing how much she has grown. We watched a little Drag Racing after the birthday party then headed home since Dad had to work the next day. I hope you all had a fun and safe 4th of July. See you at the races!
Alesi

Skull Shine Sooner Nationals - Tulsa, OK

2007-06-30T16:08:00.000-06:00

June 21-24, 2007 - The Skull Shine Sooner Nationals became a race that would seem to never end. After rain cancelled the original event in May, it was rescheduled for June and teams still had to practice patience due once again to rain. Ayrton helped the Hoosier Thunder Motorosports team with crew duties on Terry McMillen's Alcohol Funny Car, while Alesi gained more seat time in her Quick Rod. The Friday Sportsman Appreciation race brought in more racers for the weekend, including our friends, Michael & Philip Pennington and their family, along with Chris Talley. They all raced their roadsters in the Super Rod category.

Houston Raceway - Baytown, TX

2007-06-27T16:15:00.000-06:00

June 15-17, 2007 - Duane, Alesi & Ayrton joined Brand X Racing Engines for a weekend of racing at Houston Raceway Park. Although, Alesi was the only one able to make a pass before rains cancelled the event, they enjoyed spending time with the Shapely's and all their jr. dragster racing friends.

Alesi went to great lengths to help a child...through Locks of Love

2007-05-15T19:01:00.000-06:00

Alesi received the following by mail...

Dear Alesi,
Thank you for your generous hair donation! Your selfless act of kindness will benefit a Locks of Love recipient and change their life for the better. Most of our recipients suffer from an autoimmune disease called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. Other recipients are cancer survivors, victims of trauma such as burns and rare dermatological conditions that result in permanent hair loss. Your donation of hair will help return smiles to the many varied faces of our children. On behalf of those children, their families and the Board of Directors, THANK YOU - YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!!

Madonna Coffman
President
www.locksoflove.org

Ayrton Gerthe wins Ironman in Tulsa

2007-05-07T12:30:00.000-06:00

May 4, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Ayrton Gerthe participated in the second stop of the IHRA Summit Pro-Am Tour in Tulsa, OK, April 27-29, 2007. Ayrton drove his Jr. Dragster into the winner’s circle with top honors in the Masters Class on Sunday, and down to the final five cars on Saturday, propelling him into the number two position in points.

“It’s been a while since I won an Ironman, but things fell into place for me this weekend,” continued Ayrton. “I came to Tulsa really determined, and all our hard work paid off; this one’s for all our sponsors who have been there for our team, supporting us in so many ways.”

Alesi @ RHS Prom - April 28, 2007

2007-05-07T10:03:00.000-06:00

Alesi Gerthe was escorted by Chance Betchan to the 2007 Rockdale High School Prom, held April 28, 2007 at the Patterson Civic Center in Rockdale, TX. After a limousine ride to dine at Cool River Cafe just outside Austin, Texas, the group toured the capitol and various other sites before returning to join classmates at their prom.

Spring Fling - Kennedale, TX

2007-04-23T11:41:00.000-06:00

April 22, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe, participated in the RPM Club’s Jr. Dragster Spring Fling April 14-15, 2007 at Texas Raceway just south of Ft. Worth, TX. Alesi Gerthe, assisted the team with crew duties and was also hired to drive an outlaw jr. dragster during the weekend. Ayrton Gerthe had a great weekend, driving his jr. dragster all the way down to the final five cars in the 15-17 yr. age category.

Alesi also recently donated another twelve inches of hair to Locks of Love. “Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.” –www.locksoflove.org

“A little more than a year ago, I donated around 12 inches of hair and decided when it grew out, I would donate it again”, continued Alesi. “We have a student at our jr. high school who has lost her hair due to cancer treatments and every time I see her, it makes me feel good about donating my hair.”

IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA

2007-03-28T17:48:00.000-06:00

March 28, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe, participated in the IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts at San Antonio Raceway March 23-25, 2007. Alesi Gerthe competed for the first time in her ’02 Mullis Dragster in the Quick Rod category, making the necessary adjustments to go from running the 8.90 Index to the shortened 5.70 Index after track conditions forced the event to be contested to the eighth mile versus the traditional quarter mile. In round one, Alesi posted a 5.70 winning run and continued on, but went out in round two. Ayrton Gerthe assisted crew members on the InstiGator Funny Car during the event.

NAPA Display - Distribution Center - March 2007

2007-03-20T23:10:00.000-06:00

March 20, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe, joined the InstiGator Funny Car team at the NAPA Distribution Center in San Antonio, Texas earlier today. The team spent the day displaying the race cars, along with Terry McMillen’s InstiGator Funny Car team, at the Napa Distribution Center in San Antonio, Texas. McMillen signed autographs, KZEP 104.3 – San Antonio’s Classic Rock Station provided a live broadcast, and BBQ was also served.

“We appreciate Steve Anderson and NAPA for giving us the opportunity to display our quick rod and jr. dragster race cars with the InstiGator. We’re looking forward to this weekend’s IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts, and today’s interaction with the crowd really got things kicked off in a great way,” concluded Lisa Gerthe.

San Antonio Divisional - March 2007

2007-03-20T09:03:00.000-06:00

March 20, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Ayrton & Alesi Gerthe, attended the first stop of the 2007 Division 4 Pro-Am tour at San Antonio Raceway.

Ayrton competed in the Jr. Dragster Master’s Class, while Alesi competed in the Quick Rod Class.

“The weekend didn’t end up as we’d planned, with Ayrton going out both days in the first round and we continually fought with Alesi’s car all weekend,” said Lisa Gerthe. “People have been telling us the big cars are much easier to tune and run than the jr.’s, but it didn’t appear to be the case for us this past weekend. I do have to say, the outpouring of help in our pits and the phone calls was very humbling; I lost count of how many folks came over, friends and strangers, to lend a hand and it was noticed by many. They all made a tough situation better by knowing we truly do spend our time with a great group of people.”

The team will spend this afternoon, along with Terry McMillen’s InstiGator Funny Car team, at the Napa Distribution Center in San Antonio, Texas displaying the race cars.

“We appreciate the opportunity Steve Anderson and Napa has given us, along with Terry McMillen, to join them in the pre-race events this week, gearing up for the IHRA Amalie Oil Texas Nationals presented by NAPA Auto Parts. We are proud to be a part of the display and look forward to spending time with everyone. The team is also looking forward to extending a ‘big Texas welcome’ to our other partners attending; we are supported by the best in the racing industry,” concluded Gerthe.

March 2007 - San Antonio Jr. Nationals

2007-03-13T21:24:00.000-06:00

March 13, 2007 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing, Ayrton & Alesi Gerthe, kicked off their 2007 race season this past weekend at their home track, San Antonio Raceway, by participating in the IHRA Jr. Dragster Nationals. Ayrton Gerthe, winner of the 2004 San Antonio Jr. Nationals 12-13 year old class, made it to the quarter finals and the final 5 cars in the 7.90 Index on Saturday. Alesi Gerthe qualified in the sixth spot in the Southwest 330’ Outlaw dragster of Brand X Racing Engines, and went to the finals in Quick 32 placing second on Saturday. “We had a great time and as a team did an excellent job,” said Lisa Gerthe. “As expected, Todd and Judy had a full schedule for the weekend and we stayed busy all day Saturday, but the weather took a turn on Sunday, the event was cancelled after several rain delays and will be rescheduled.”
The team will now turn their focus to the upcoming divisional and national and hope the weather cooperates this week so they can get in some much needed testing.

Staying busy while waiting for the drag race season to begin...

2007-02-19T12:57:00.000-06:00

While gearing up for the upcoming season, we've been busy with other facets of our busy schedule, but we took time out recently to have dinner with Kim & Cindy Shapley with Brand X Race Engines. The Shapley's have allowed Alesi to drive their jr. dragsters in the past when their daughter Heather was unable to attend races. Since Heather has "aged out" of jr. drag racing, Alesi will step in this season and pilot their "330 Outlaw" jr. dragster at select events, beginning with the IHRA Jr. Nationals at San Antonio Raceway in March, along with Ayrton whose goal is to win another "Ironman" in the 15-17 yr. old category. Ayrton continues to improve his model airplane flying skills, although the weather has not been cooperating, and he has just about worn out the nitro r/c truck he received at Christmas. Alesi once again helped with the RHS boy's basketball program his year as manager. She really enjoyed traveling with the team, as well as getting to know fellow managers Marissa and Britny. Alesi is also a member of PALS and visits with students at the elementary school twice weekly, but was recently asked to speak with the 4th grade students to reinforce the campus character program, Right Choice. She also enjoyed a brief visit with Mrs. Meyer, current fourth grade teacher who also taught Alesi & Ayrton when they were fourth graders. We spent this past weekend at Lone Star Motorsports Park near Sealy, TX doing some testing with the dragsters. The season starts in just two weeks, so we are preparing for some "March Madness" of our own with back to back to back race weekends scheduled in March.

Drag Racer's Endure Central Texas Ice Storm of '07

2007-01-31T13:49:00.001-06:00

Rockdale, along with Milam County and the majority of central Texas went 70 consecutive hours with temperatures below freezing during the mid-January ice storm that crippled much of Texas during its visit. The weekend began with rain storms, but by evening Sunday, the weather forecast was calling for a wintry mix and school children in our area anticipated the call for a "snow day". They would get their wish and would not return to school until 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Frozen precipitation that sticks usually shuts down our area and this one did, with vehicles having a quarter to half inch sheet of ice, not to mention the roads had black ice, especially the less traveled rural roads of our area. Over 2.5 inches of precipitation fell between Sunday, January 14 and Thursday, January 18, and included a wintry mix of frozen rain, sleet and yes, even snow! Any time we get frozen precipitation, everything comes to a stand still. City and highway crews are not equipped to tackle the daunting task of clearing the roads when they do not have the proper equipment, so applying salt, sand, and other de-icing products is about all they can do, except hope those that don't have to travel heed the warnings and stay home. Which, is what the kids and I did, but that wasn't the case for Duane. He works for the local lignite mine which provides the resources for the adjoining power plant and as he says, "you want heat, then I have to go to work". He managed the dangerous roads fine, but said there were several big rigs jack-knifed and in the ditch along with numerous other vehicles who found that sliding around on ice isn't always fun and should be left to those on ice skates!

Young Drag Racer Finds Trouble at PRI...from HoosierThunder.com

2006-12-20T00:26:00.000-06:00

ORLANDO, FL - Alesi Gerthe joins Hoosier Thunder Motorsports for the 2007 racing season. She recently completed her licensing in Quick Rod with the Doug Foley Drag Racing School, but a recent visit to the Performance Racing Industry could cause problems for the up and coming teen sensation.

While other beauty pageant winners are having trouble staying out of trouble, this young drag racer just can't seem to find trouble, although she was asked to leave a PRI party.

When Alesi and parents Lisa and Duane tried to get in a private party, they were turned away, Alesi was not allowed to enter since she was underage, despite her parental escorts. It didn't take long for word to spread through the drag racing community. McMillen and Doug Foley decided to confront Alesi. After all, the last thing Foley and McMillen wanted was to be associated with one of those cute faces making trouble in the tabloids.

When all the teasing and jesting between the trio was complete, Alesi went back to working the PRI floor, meeting many new potential sponsors for her Quick Rod team. "Alesi is a great kid," McMillen said. "We just couldn't resist giving her a hard time. With all the young girls out there making names for themselves in the headlines, it's really nice have such a quality person like Alesi on our team. A lot of people in Texas know how good this young lady races, everyone will know her racing ability over the next few years."

With minimal drag racing during the winter months, we're passing the time...

2006-12-11T22:04:00.000-06:00

December 11, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, are currently in their off-season from drag racing, but have found an alternative to pass the time, model airplanes. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster program, sponsor the Division 4 Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with TORCO Race Fuels, Amalie Oil, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs.

"Alesi & Ayrton’s grandfather, Gunar, recently began tinkering with model airplanes again, and it wasn’t too long before Duane was dragging out all of his model airplanes,” said Lisa Gerthe. “Gunar’s shop now looks like Santa’s workshop, at least a model plane workshop with numerous planes and when Alesi and I were sent on a trip to the local hobby shop for parts, Alesi spotted a trainer that the wonderful salesman assured us she would be able to fly in no time,” continued Lisa. “It’s really been a great way for all of them to pass the time during the wintry months and Alesi and Ayrton are picking up on it really fast. Of course, Gunar currently has the largest in the fleet, powered by a weed eater motor, and Duane’s is currently the fastest, so as you see, we are still keeping our skills polished in a competitive environment! And, the guys at the local hobby stores, the online and mail order stores, and the UPS delivery man are enjoying the added business,” concluded Lisa.

2006 Alcoa Operations Children's Christmas Party

2006-12-06T18:52:00.000-06:00

December 6, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, started the holiday season off in a special way on Tuesday, attending the Alcoa Rockdale Operations Children’s Christmas Party. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster program, sponsor the Division 4 Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with TORCO Race Fuels, Amalie Oil, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs.

"Alesi & Ayrton decided to do a little community service and help with the activities at the Children’s Christmas Party this year,” said Lisa Gerthe. “The once annual party hadn’t occurred since 2002 and they remembered how much they enjoyed attending and thought they would help make it a special evening for those attending,” continued Lisa. “Alesi helped with the Snowman Bean Bag Toss, while Ayrton ran Bingo.”

The Alcoa Rockdale Operations Children’s Christmas Party is attended by children and grandchildren of Alcoa employees and to enter you must bring non-perishable food items or new toys to donate to Rockdale Christmas Round-Up, which provides food and toys for families in the Rockdale area each year.

2006NewBreedRacing.wmv

2006-10-29T19:09:00.000-06:00


Photo Story of 2006 racing season.

2006 Super Chevy Show - San Antonio Raceway

2006-10-04T21:40:00.000-06:00

October 4, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the Super Chevy Show at San Antonio Raceway, September 29 – October 1. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster program, sponsor the Division 4 Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with TORCO Race Fuels, Amalie Oil, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs.

"All around it was a great weekend for us, awesome weather conditions, actually a little on the warm side, great drag racing, and spending time with friends," said Lisa Gerthe.

The 2006 Super Chevy Show returned to one of America’s top drag racing facilities, San Antonio Raceway with jets, nitro coupes, bracket racing, classy show cars and an invitation only 16 car jr. dragster field.

"Ayrton went to the quarter finals on Saturday, Alesi went to the semi-finals on Sunday, and Alesi's 'Orange Crush', her customized '91 Chevy Truck, won the two wheel drive modified truck category on Sunday," continued Lisa. "The cars and our driver's were on their game, and the jr. dragsters that race at San Antonio Raceway are very stiff competition. Although Alesi entered her truck in the car show, she wasn't very comfortable with leaving it unattended and unlocked for the judges, so she was surprised when they announced her name at the awards ceremony. She had planned to sit at the truck and make it available to the judges when she went out, but she continued to go rounds, going out in the semi's just before the awards ceremony on Sunday," concluded Lisa.

Alesi & Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry.

Alesi Gerthe featured in Drag Review 9-15-2006

2006-09-27T18:40:00.000-06:00

September 27, 2006 - Rockdale , TX - New Breed Racing's Alesi Gerthe "Graduates From Junior Dragster To Quick Rod" and is featured in the latest edition of IHRA's Drag Review. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster program, sponsor the Division 4 Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with TORCO Race Fuels, Amalie Oil, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs.

"Jeanne Gendreau is the writer for Drag Review's Port-A-Tree Green Light Gang which feature stories and news in each issue profiling the future stars of drag racing...the jr. dragsters," said Lisa Gerthe. "I periodically send emails to our extended racing family with updates on our personal and family life and she received the one after our trip to Martin, Michigan. I had no idea she was featuring Alesi until she emailed asking me to forward photos for the article to Pam Marchyshyn, editor of Drag Review," continued Lisa.

The article, included in the September 15, 2006 issue on page 77, includes photos taken at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan following the TORCO Northern Nationals when Alesi received the opportunity to attend Doug Foley's Drag Racing School, thanks to TORCO's Evan Knoll and Latrell Preston, and under the watchful eye of sponsor Terry McMillen, driver of the TORCO powered Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car.

Alesi said, "The first thing Ayrton and I do when we receive the latest edition of Drag Review is to flip to the 'Green Light Gang" and read articles about fellow jr. drag racer's, which usually feature someone we know from the tracks we've attended." Alesi continued, "I was a bit shocked to open this one though because I wasn't expecting it, but it took me back to that special day when I became an official quick rod driver." "Mr. Foley and Mr. Lewis were excellent instructors and it was an awesome experience," concluded Alesi.

New Breed Racing finished the 2006 IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am Tour with top ten finishes, Ayrton came in 10th, and Alesi at 6th in a field of 32 cars in the Jr. Dragster Master's Class. Alesi and Ayrton have numerous wins and final round appearances, including three IHRA Ironmen.

2006 O'Reilly Nationals

2006-09-26T15:28:00.000-06:00

September 26, 2006 - Rockdale , TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe along with their parents, were given the opportunity to become spectators at the 2006 O'Reilly Nationals held last weekend near Dallas , TX . Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster program, sponsor the Division 4 Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with TORCO Race Fuels, Amalie Oil, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs.

Lisa said, "Anytime the professional drag racers are in our area, we love to go spectate. There is absolutely no way to describe the ambiance at a national event," Lisa continued. "It had been a while since we'd attended an NHRA national, normally there is a conflict in our race schedule, but that wasn't the case this past weekend and if you visit my photos, http://photos.yahoo.com/lgerthe you will see Alesi and Ayrton with most of their favorite driver's."

The 2006 race schedule has been an unusual one with the triple double format of the IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am tour ending in early June. Lisa said, "Although our schedule was a bit different this year, it has provided us with unique opportunities and it has been a great year. We were able to attend the Northern Nationals and root for Terry and his team in person during their appearance in the finals, Alesi was licensed by Doug Foley and his driving school after the Michigan event, and two weeks later, we took delivery of our new race rig. Terry McMillen was kind enough to meet us halfway at Tulsa Raceway Park and we will now have room to haul all the cars!" (See attached photo.) "When we purchased the big dragster for Alesi last year, we ran into a problem...we didn't have room for Alesi and Ayrton to race at the same time, so we had been looking for quite some time for a replacement, and Duane happened to notice on http://www.hoosierthunder.com/ that Terry was selling just the exact rig we had been looking for. Little did we know that finding the rig would be easy compared to moving and arranging everything in the new one, and just like our last two trailers, we have managed to almost fill this one up, but we are looking forward to making our first 'trip to the strip' in the new rig very soon," said Lisa.

With the 2006 holiday season approaching quickly, the team will test and attend select events for the remainder of the year, while Alesi gains more seat time in her big dragster preparing for the Quick Rod class next season, and Ayrton prepares for what will most likely be his last year in a jr. dragster. Lisa said, "Although summers in Texas can be extremely hot, the nice thing about living here is that you can race year round if you choose, so we plan to take full advantage of our climate. The 2007 race season will be here before we know it, and we have a long list of things to accomplish before March."

New Breed Racing finished the IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am Tour with top ten finishes, Ayrton came in 10th, and Alesi at 6th in a field of 32 cars in the Jr. Dragster Master's Class.

TORCO Northern Nationals & Doug Foley Drag Racing School - August 2006

2006-08-11T01:06:00.000-06:00

August 10, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Ayrton and Alesi Gerthe, along with parents Duane and Lisa made a surprise visit to Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car team by attending the TORCO Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan held August 5 & 6, 2006. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs.
“We had an awesome visit, Duane and Ayrton helped the crew with the funny car, Alesi observed all the marketing work held at the event and I was able to see my family enjoy spending time with friends doing what we love…drag racing,” explained Lisa. “We enjoyed our visit with Mark Adelizzi of Flatout Gaskets and it was great to be at the event where Terry and his Amalie Oil InstiGator TORCO powered Funny Car team made their first final round appearance of the 2006 eMax Drag Racing series,” continued Lisa. “Terry and Rhonda adopted our kids last year through IHRA and they have gone above and beyond to help Alesi and Ayrton fulfill their drag racing dreams and in a way, we’ve adopted them also and wanted to travel to Michigan and show our support.”
Alesi was presented the opportunity to attend Doug Foley’s Drag Racing School, thanks to TORCO’s Evan Knoll, Latrell Preston and Terry McMillen.
“It was an awesome experience and I’ll never forget it,” said Alesi. “I’d like to gain more seat time this year and compete at all 2007 eMax National events, we’ll see; right now I’m just relieved to have the licensing behind me and Mr. Foley was an excellent instructor.”
Alesi completed the required runs and earned her IHRA Quick Rod Competition License with her final quarter-mile pass of 8.45 @ 160 mph, which enables her to make the move from jr. dragsters and continue to reach for her goal of becoming a professional drag racer.
Lisa said, “On the flight back to Texas, Alesi made reference to there being a lack of female driver’s in the professional classes of IHRA and I told her we better let Dad get comfortable with her speed in Quick Rod and she said, ‘He’d better get ready, someday I will go faster, much faster if I want a Top Fuel License.”

Temple Raceway - July 29-30, 2006

2006-08-02T10:17:00.000-06:00

August 2, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Ayrton and Alesi Gerthe, attended a two day race at Temple Raceway, July 29 & 30, 2006. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs.

“The ‘triple double’ race format for the IHRA Division 4 Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour was a great idea to help with travel costs, but that meant we would have to fill our race schedule with other select events after the final event at Tulsa in June,” said Lisa Gerthe. “We decided to attend Ironman Classic events in our area and that put a large gap in our schedule, and although we haven’t been at the track as much as usual this summer, it’s been a nice break from the Texas heat,” continued Lisa. “Alesi and Ayrton are members of the Rockdale High School Student Council and that has kept them busy this summer with area service projects, but they were ready to get back to the track this past weekend and get the cars ready for the upcoming Ironman Classic events.”

Ayrton said, “We’ve had some consistency problems this year with both cars and haven’t been able to pinpoint whether the problem is the carburetor or clutch, so last week we went back to our old style clutches, hoping that would solve the problem and we also slowed my car down a bit where it was running 8.30’s instead of 7.90’s,” continued Ayrton. “First time trial, I had to be towed from the track after my car quit just after the finish line and when Alesi made it back to the pits, both cars had ‘spit out’ the clutch bolt, so to make a long story short, we went through six clutches and a fuel pump this weekend at the track, so we were pretty busy.”

Duane Gerthe said, “Despite the mechanical issues we were having with the cars, we had a great weekend, Alesi won the event Saturday night and we think we’re getting a handle on the problems we’ve been experiencing with the cars.” Duane continued, “From a mechanical standpoint it becomes very frustrating when you’ve checked the cars over and made changes and you still have the problems and it even magnifies my disappointment when the kids are doing their job at the tree and driving the cars and the cars let them down; as their crew chief, I take it real personal.”

Alesi said, “It felt real good to be back in the winner’s circle again this past weekend; I’d been to some finals and semi-finals lately, but it had been awhile since I was the last one standing and it was great!” Alesi continued, “Although we were having problems with the car, I remained focused and as the night went on, I kept going rounds and I hung in there!”

Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry. Also, thanks to IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for promoting jr. dragster racing. Have a great week!

Tulsa Raceway Park - Tulsa, OK

2006-06-06T17:08:00.000-06:00

June 6, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the final stop of the “triple double” Division 4 Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour held at Tulsa Raceway Park, June 2-4, 2006.

After the event, Lisa said, “We struggled with the cars and their consistency all weekend and thought we had a handle on them, but it appears we need to continue to make adjustments. Alesi and Ayrton made their adjustments at the tree and had really good lights over the weekend.”

Alesi went out first round Saturday when she went .495 red, while Ayrton went out in round two. Duane said, “The cars were just not running as they should have and we made adjustments and checked things over on Saturday night, but apparently we are still missing something that causes the cars to stumble when they leave the line and it always happens at the wrong time.”

On Sunday, the team talked about the race Saturday and evaluated their cars. “Our goal was to come here and chase the points, but after our performance on Saturday that was no longer a possibility, so we focused on winning the event on Sunday,” said Lisa. First round Sunday, Ayrton went red and Alesi made her way through the pack of 22 master’s cars and down to the final three cars. Alesi said, “My car was running good all day and I was hitting the tree and in the semi’s ‘Blackie’ decided to throw me a curve and stumbled really bad off the line and I knew it was over, but I hung in there hoping my competitor would break out, but that didn’t happen and I crossed the finish line way off my dial.”

With the divisionals behind them, the team will test and prepare for the remainder of the year and plan to attend select IHRA Ironman Classics in the area, while Alesi gains more seat time in her big dragster. The team will travel to Arkansas this weekend and attend the 2nd Annual Jr. Spring Nationals at Prescott Raceway, with races to include the Southwest 330 Outlaw, Southwest 330 Quick 32 and All Run Bracket Races.

Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, C. Trade Group, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs.

Indianapolis 500 - May 28, 2006

2006-05-30T13:22:00.000-06:00

Ayrton graduated from eighth grade at Rockdale Jr. High on Thursday, May 25, 2006 and the next day, he and his dad, Duane, headed for Indianapolis, IN and the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500. They flew with friends in a private plane (Cessna 206) from the Rockdale Airport arriving at their destination on Friday evening. Saturday, they attended the parade where the grand marshall was The Food Network's Rachael Ray, and Lance Armstrong was the driver of this years pace car. They also toured the museum and took a bus ride onto the famous track. Sunday was race day and they enjoyed all the pre-race and race activities. Although Ayrton was rooting for Marco Andretti, Sam Hornish Jr. won the event. On Monday on the way home they had to fly IFR for most of the trip due to the weather and they stopped in Addison, TX near Dallas for fuel and Ayrton took off and flew the plane home to Rockdale where Alesi and Mom greeted them upon arrival. Ayrton should have a wonderful memory from the end of his jr. high days to the new beginning of his high school days with this trip to the Indy 500.

Pine Valley Raceway April 7-9, 2006

2006-04-14T08:27:00.000-06:00

April 14, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Ayrton and Alesi Gerthe, attended the second stop of the “triple double” Division 4 Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour held outside Lufkin, Texas at Pine Valley Raceway, April 7-9, 2006.

Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, C. Trade Group, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs.

After the event, Lisa said, “The cars were running good, we came out Saturday morning running a little faster than we had in testing Friday night and in testing the prior weekend at San Antonio Raceway, so we had to make some changes. Alesi and Ayrton made their adjustments at the tree and had really good lights over the weekend, sometimes a little to close to the edge and it bit both of them over the weekend.”

Ayrton went out first round Saturday when he went red, while Alesi made her way through the 23 car master’s field and down to the final six cars. Alesi said, “My car was running so consistent all day, but in the quarter’s the sun was starting to go down and the conditions started changing and my car fell off its dial a little; just enough to cost me the round, but I guess that’s bracket racing.” The crew made their way back to the pits and began preparing for Sunday’s event.

On Sunday, the team talked about the race Saturday and evaluated their cars. “My goal was to have two identical cars, same chassis, motor, clutch, etc., but these cars are just like my kids, different in their own way,” said Duane. “The master’s rules don’t give you much room when you bust 7.90 and for some reason Alesi’s car wanted to speed up all weekend, but Ayrton’s car was running the number.” Duane continued, “In Alesi’s first time trial Saturday, she came out and ran 7.83; shortly thereafter we received a visit from our Division 4 Director, Frank Kohutek, giving us our warning. I added weight to the car and adjusted the throttle stop which should have put the car running in the high 7.90’s or low 8’s, but it still continued to run around 7.90 all day. Sunday morning we decided not to take a chance, so we added more weight and in the time trial she ran 7.88. We had Alesi drinking fluids, eating, everything we could think of and it seemed every time we added weight, her car sped up!”

First round Sunday, Alesi went red and Ayrton made his way through the pack of 24 master’s cars and down to the final three cars. Ayrton said, “My car wasn’t coming up on the pipe sometimes at the line even though the idle was set, so I was making the adjustments and I got lucky a lot today; I had that feeling that I was taking that Ironman home.” Lisa said, “Ayrton really drove the car this weekend, at the starting line and at the top end. I was having problems with his computer, sometimes it would work and other times it wouldn’t, so finally on Sunday I told him that he was going to have to help me ‘hear the car’ and make the idle adjustments, and he did. When we get into eliminations in bracket racing we don’t like to make many adjustments, so many times Alesi and Ayrton have to step up and help us out. When we have minor problems like the one with the computer, we hope things work out because from a tuning point our hands are tied, but just when we needed the car to be there a little more for us, it wasn’t…it slowed down! It just wasn’t meant to be for us to bring home another Ironman today.” Lisa concluded, “Michael Zampese won Saturday night and we took his car to Pine Valley, so I guess in a way we did take an Ironman home, at least we took the car!”

The team will test and prepare for the final stop of the divisionals scheduled for June 2-4 at Tulsa Raceway Park and is scheduled to participate in Ironman Classics in the area. Alesi will also be gaining more seat time in her big dragster. Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, C. Trade Group, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry. Also, thanks to IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for promoting jr. dragster racing.

San Antonio Raceway - April 1, 2006

2006-04-03T14:11:00.000-06:00

April 3, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, the sister and brother team Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the first points race of the bracket racing season at San Antonio Raceway this past Saturday. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. “It had been a few weeks since we’d raced, and we needed to get the cars tuned and ready for the second stop of the Division 4 Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour this weekend at Pine Valley Raceway, Lufkin, TX,” said Lisa. “The kids and the cars performed wonderfully and they both made it down to five cars, with Alesi going on to the final round.” “Alesi found the tree early on in the evening, cutting a .500, .503 and .515. When you cut it that close, you hope to finish the day without going red, but that’s just what happened in the finals, she went red,” said Lisa. “We feel good about the cars going into this next divisional.” Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry. Also, thanks to IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for promoting jr. dragster racing. Have a great week!
Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe

McMillen visits RHS

2006-03-23T09:20:00.000-06:00

A taste of the pro’s life in the fast lane
(Reprinted with permission of The Rockdale Reporter.)

Racing program makes a pit stop at RHS; helps efforts of local junior sibling racers

By KEN ESTEN COOKE
Reporter Staff Writer

Alesi Gerthe and brother Ayrton are excited. They’re getting a visit today from a professional race car driver and his team and they get to show off their hobby to every student at Rockdale High School.
The Gerthes, part of the successful brother-and-sister tandem of junior drag racers, were chosen to participate in a new “adoption” program that lets them rub elbows with the big boys of the International Hot Rod Association—in this case, Terry McMillen of Elkhart, Indiana, who stopped in Rockdale on Tuesday to show off his wheels.
McMillen and his Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team were on the way to San Antonio for the eMax Drag Racing season the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals. His team was chosen to help the Gerthes learn about the racing industry and help them get a leg up on learning the ins and outs of the sport.
The team rolled out the Amalie Oil “InstiGator” Funny Car and also displayed the drag racers of the Gerthes in the RHS parking lot.
“This program is a way we can help the sport continue to grow and see that these young racers learn things to continue their careers,” McMillen said of the program.
McMillen, who has spent the past 30 years in racing, admits that the few seconds from starting gate to finish line are only a tiny part of the sport and the “unseen” parts of the business—the marketing and endorsements—end up taking up far more time.
That’s a big part of the push for the “adoption” program—showing them the ropes of racing.

Marketing
“We don’t want these young racers to wait until they are 30 or 40 to learn how to get some of the corporate money,” McMillen said.
McMillen admitted that learning to get sponsorships is a big part of this sport. Racing is not like buying a bat and baseball glove and being in business. These performance machines demand a lot of upkeep and the costs are prohibitive to many. He said even at all levels of the sport, marketing plays a huge part of keeping a team on the road.
“In this sport, it’s about selling product—not so much about winning or losing on the weekend, but on how much product gets sold on Monday,” he said.
The Gerthe family watched as the racing team put sponsor stickers on Alesi’s new maroon dragster. Since she recently turned 16, she was allowed to move up to a 750-horsepower dragster from her junior model in which she dominated her age divisions.
“It helps a lot,” Alesi said. “He’s shown us a lot of things about marketing that we didn’t know. It’s been great.”
Parents Duane and Lisa Gerthe are trying to raise their children right in a sport that gets a lot of attention. The siblings’ racing team is called “New Breed.”
“The Gerthes really exemplify what drag racing is all about,” McMillen said. “It’s a true family sport. They live it and it shows in how tight-knit they are as a family.”
But the program looks for youth who look beyond their sport. McMillen was impressed that the Gerthes get their kids to help with the Christmas Round-Up, which provides needy local families with food and toys.
Alesi also donated 10 inches of her hair to “Locks of Love,” which provides hair pieces to medical patients. She also recently joined RHS’ Peer Assisted Leadership (PAL) program.

Motivation
But the visit wasn’t only for the Gerthes. McMillen, also named IHRA Sportsman of the Year, gave an assembly to RHS students about setting goals—both short-term and long-term ones and using education to reach those goals. A short feature film was also shown at the assembly. The Gerthes were pleased to be able to glean some knowledge from a big-time racing team.
“It’s not every day you get to talk to a pro driver,” Alesi said.

InstiGator Team Makes Stop at RHS

2006-03-22T10:49:00.000-06:00

March 22, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, the sister and brother team Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, welcomed Terry McMillen and InstiGator team members Tad Heflick, Brent Lidgard, and Jim Walczak to Rockdale High School on Tuesday, March 21, 2006. Everyone was all smiles as the InstiGator prowled its way through the streets of the small Central Texas town, delivering an awesome motivational speech to the students and staff and displaying the Funny Car and rig. “I’m not sure who was smiling more, Alesi & Ayrton or the toothy paint schemed Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels. I’m not a betting lady, but I’d have to put my money on my kids. They were so excited when we received the call from Terry that he would like to visit our town on his way to San Antonio Raceway’s 5th Annual Amalie Oil Texas Nationals,” said Lisa Gerthe. “I’m not sure how many times Alesi and Ayrton called on Monday to see how close Terry and his team were to arriving in Rockdale, but when we saw that rig heading towards us, it was an awesome feeling. Although the team was so exhausted from the long drive from Indiana, they spent time with us and we really enjoyed getting to meet Terry’s team for the first time and visit with Jim, Tad and Skinny.” Lisa continued, “Since we met Terry at last years Amalie Oil Texas Nationals and he and Rhonda decided to implement the Adopt a Jr. Dragster program with IHRA and adopt Alesi & Ayrton, we have sort of adopted them also and communicate with them often. I knew Terry visited schools in the areas that he raced and I hoped he would offer to speak to the students of our school district. Terry’s an excellent role model and ambassador for the sport of drag racing, and he delivered a great motivational message for our students and staff yesterday. I’ve already received many positive comments and know we will see a positive result within our school from his visit.” After the assembly, students were allowed to view the InstiGator Funny car along with Ayrton’s jr. dragster and Alesi’s Quick Rod Dragster. “We’re really looking forward to getting to San Antonio Raceway to offer Terry our support and to enjoy a great weekend of racing,” continued Lisa. “Judy, Todd and their staff have been diligently working and preparing for this event and we know it will be a great success.” Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank the best sponsors in the racing industry Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and their team, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs.
Have a great day!
Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe

Alesi selected as member of RHS PALS

2006-03-16T10:52:00.000-06:00

March 16, 2006 - Rockdale, TX – Alesi Gerthe, driver for New Breed Racing Team, was recently selected as a member of the Rockdale High School Peer Assistance Leadership Program for the 2006-2007 school year. “Alesi’s leadership qualities and caring attitude set her apart from her peers. She was nominated by a member of the faculty, interviewed by a panel, and selected as a member of the PAL® Program”, stated Karen Muston, RHS PAL® Sponsor. “I am very excited about the upcoming year and look forward to knowing Alesi better.” The PAL® Peer Assistance Leadership Program is a peer-to-peer outreach program for elementary, intermediate, and high school students. The proven results are improved school attendance, reduced drug and alcohol abuse, a positive school climate, increased academic success, responsible behavior, and involvement in community service. The PAL® Program teaches life skills and builds resiliency and assets in students. Established in 1980, the PAL® Program's comprehensive network of prevention activities and training addresses the underlying causes for alcohol, tobacco and other drug use by youth. The PAL® Program provides students of all ages ongoing opportunities to create supportive environments that empower their peers to make healthy, positive decisions and to achieve their human potential. The primary intent of the PAL® Program is to help create, enhance, and support all peer-to-peer and peer leadership programs in schools. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs.

Division 4 Pro-Am San Antonio Raceway, March 10-12, 2006

2006-03-13T11:13:00.000-06:00

March 13, 2006 - Rockdale, TX – Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, the sister and brother team New Breed Racing, attended the first two of six races of the Division 4 Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour’s Master’s Class this past weekend at San Antonio Raceway. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster team, from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. It was great to kick off this race tour at our home track, San Antonio Raceway. We had a great weekend of racing; Alesi and Ayrton were very focused. The cars ran good, except for a “stumble fairy” on Alesi’s car. Her car stumbled both days on the starting line and we’re trying to find the problem. On Saturday, Alesi and Ayrton made it down to six cars. On Sunday, Ayrton cut a .499 red in the first round and Alesi went a couple rounds before the “stumble fairy” reared its head and the car fell off. First round, Alesi paired up with friend Michael Zampese and both dialed 7.90. With almost identical reaction times, Alesi won on a double break out 7.899 to Michael’s 7.898. Duane Gerthe said, “That first round race was awesome on Sunday and the kids did great all weekend. We will find the problem with Alesi’s car before the next divisional at Pine Valley in a few weeks.” Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and their team, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry. Also, thanks to the IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for your support of jr. dragster racing.

Division 4 Pro-Am Tour - San Antonio Raceway March 10-12, 2006

2006-03-10T13:56:00.000-06:00

March 10, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, the sister and brother team Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, will attended the first two of six races of the Division 4 Mr. Gasket Pro-Am Tour this weekend at San Antonio Raceway. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster team, from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. We are excited to be kicking off this season at our home track, San Antonio Raceway and we are equally excited to see all of our “racing family”. The team spent the off-season preparing a Cameron Dragster for Alesi’s anticipated move into Quick Rod. Duane Gerthe explained, “Our initial plans were to have Alesi ready to compete in the Quick Rod class this year at the divisionals and at the Nationals in San Antonio, but we were limited in our opportunities to make the necessary passes toward her license due mainly to weather conditions and scheduling. We want to take it at Alesi’s pace with this big car and considering all the circumstances, I guess we have to look at it as it’s just not the right time. We are in no rush for her to move up from jr.’s, but we’d like her to get some seat time so she can become familiar with this car.” Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and their team, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry. Also, thanks to the IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for your support of jr. dragster racing.

San Antonio Raceway - January 21, 2006

2006-01-27T11:17:00.000-06:00

January 22, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, the sister and brother team Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the San Antonio Bracket race held Saturday, January 21, 2006. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster team, from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. We had a great day, it felt good to be back at the track racing after the winter break and be able to see our racing friends. Alesi and Ayrton ended up racing each other in the semi-finals, with Ayrton taking the win after Alesi went red. Before we could get the finals ran, it began raining and the event was called. It’s always interesting and unpredictable when the two of them race each other. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does we always have a talk with them together about how things are going to be when the race is over. Ahhh, sibling rivalry, don’t you just love it! Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator Team, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry. Also, thanks to the IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for your support of jr. dragster racing.

Locks of Love - January 12, 2006

2006-01-12T10:12:00.000-06:00

January 12, 2006 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, the sister and brother team Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, are gearing up for the upcoming 2006 race season and have been busy throughout the off-season with many tasks. Terry and Rhonda McMillen of Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. The team has been preparing Alesi’s Cameron Dragster and she will start making passes towards her license and plans to run Quick Rod as well as her jr. dragster this season. Duane Gerthe said, “We want to take it at Alesi’s pace with this big car. We are in no rush for her to move up from jr.’s, but we’d like her to get some seat time so she can become familiar with this car; it’s a big step, but she’s ready!” Alesi said, “Some of my friends who have moved from jr.’s to big dragsters are encouraging me to make the move and let them initiate me. I’m not exactly sure what the initiation will be, but I’m thinking they are ready to start whooping up on me like they did when I first started racing jr. dragsters”, laughed Alesi. The team also continued their holiday tradition by delivering Christmas Round-Up, food and toys for needy families in the Rockdale area. Lisa said, “We have helped with this local charity since Alesi and Ayrton were toddlers and it’s nice to know that we helped make someone’s holiday a little brighter.” Alesi also decided to give a special gift of her own this holiday season by donating over 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love. Lisa said, “Locks of Love is a not-for-profit organization that provides custom-fitted hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 with medical hair loss. Donors provide the hair, volunteers staff the office, and the manufacturer hand-assembles each piece, which takes four to six months and requires 6 to 10 ponytails. The organization, which began in 1997, has helped over 1000 children and over 80 percent of the donors are children, making this a charity where children have the opportunity to help other children.” “I hope someone would do the same for me if I lost my hair due to an illness”, explained Alesi. “After I cut my hair a few days before Christmas, two of my cousins decided to do the same a few days after Christmas and I hope I will inspire others; it’s a good feeling.” Alesi continued, “I encourage people to visit http://www.locksoflove.org/ and learn more about this special organization.” We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and wish you a blessed 2006. Have a great day!

Christmas 2005

2005-12-25T10:16:00.000-06:00

Wishing you and yours a joy-filled Holiday Season
filled with love from friends and family
all around and many blessings
in the New Year.

Sending Warm Greetings,

New Breed Racing
Duane, Lisa, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe

4th Annual JRDrags.com Cajun Jr. Nationals - Pine Valley Raceway, Lufkin TX

2005-11-02T09:44:00.000-06:00

November 1, 2005 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, the sister and brother team Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the 4th Annual JRDrags.com Cajun Jr. Nationals at Pine Valley Raceway, Lufkin, TX on October 28-30, 2005. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. The Cajun Jr. Nationals was an unscheduled race for the team. Alesi and Ayrton heard so many good things about the annual event and they knew many of their racing friends would be present, so the team made the trek to the East Texas piney woods to join jr. drag racing teams from seventeen different states for a “spooktacular” weekend of racing. The team entered every race of the event which included Index, Age Bracket, Quick 32 and Outlaw 330’. Duane Gerthe said, “Brand X Engines had contacted us last week and asked if Alesi would pilot their Brand X Engines/Racer Pops Components sponsored Outlaw Jr. Dragster”. Alesi jumped at the opportunity to race with the “heads up” crowd and made an impressive showing for her first time in the class and in this car. Alesi averaged .450 at the pro tree and qualified for the main event. Although Alesi was a first round runner-up, she turned her focus on the Quick 32 class the following day. With the weight removed from the car, Alesi qualified in the top of the Quick 32 field and the “Shapley Shuttle” propelled her all the way to the final round, finishing second in Quick 32 and added a silver “Flying Floyd” (an Ironman style trophy) to her collection of Ironmen. Ayrton went to the quarterfinals of the 7.90 Index class and helped with crew duties each day. It was a busy weekend running three cars in five different classes, but the final round appearance in Quick 32, the quarterfinal in 7.90 Index, and the chance to run Outlaw made the long drive home much shorter. Alesi admitted, “It was an adjustment to go from my car to another all day, each day because the set up is different, but I had a really good time and I really liked driving the Outlaw car, especially the burnouts!” The Brand X Engines/RPC Outlaw Jr. Dragster definitely fueled Alesi’s desire to race professionally in the near future and has made for interesting and exhilarating conversation since the weekend. A post on the JRDrags.com forum congratulated “Brand X Engines/Racer Pops Components and their ‘hired gun’ Alesi Gerthe for the final round appearance”.
Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe

2005 Division 4 Team Finals - San Antonio Raceway

2005-10-10T07:47:00.000-06:00

October 10, 2005 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the 2005 Division 4 Team Finals held at San Antonio Raceway, October 7 – 9, 2005. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. A cold front brought cooler temperatures and rain that halted the racing on Friday, but the rest of the weekend was picture perfect. In the main event on Sunday with a field of 56 cars, Alesi made it down to fourteen cars and Ayrton went to the quarterfinals. Although we missed our goal of bringing home another Ironman, our team did help San Antonio Raceway win another track championship.

San Antonio Raceway - "Double" & Final I-10 Race - October 1, 2005

2005-10-02T08:45:00.000-06:00

October 2, 2005 - Rockdale, TX – Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, Jr. Dragster drivers for New Breed Racing attended the final race for the 2005 I-10 Series and track points at San Antonio Raceway on Saturday, October 1, 2005. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. The day was packed full of racing with time trials starting just after noon and the team arrived home at 3 a.m. this morning. The day was unique and challenging because our crew chief/dad Duane had to stay behind due to work commitments, but thanks to our friend Travis Crim and the support of our racing family, we had an awesome night. It’s nice to have great friends and you don’t realize it until you’re faced with a situation. Many knew Duane wouldn’t be with us and when others noticed, they offered help and support. It’s a good feeling, but we know IHRA racers are special people. Duane had the cars tuned and ready, so all we had to do was pour in the TORCO Racing Fuel and go rounds. The only mechanical failure was a flat on our tow dolly, but Todd Zampese helped us out offering a replacement wheel. Ayrton stayed in on both color tech cards several rounds and put six elimination round passes on his car. Alesi made a final round appearance, finished second, and put ten elimination round passes on her car. Although we had a great day of racing and wanted to prove we could go rounds, it didn’t feel the same without our crew chief there with us. We called him after each pass and were thankful for the performance of our Hardens Race Cars powered by Blossom Racing Engines. We look forward to the Division 4 Team Finals next weekend at San Antonio Raceway and our goal is to bring home another “Ironman”. Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator Team, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry. Also, thanks to IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for promoting jr. dragster racing.

San Antonio Raceway - September 17, 2005

2005-09-19T08:15:00.000-06:00

September 19, 2005 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, the sister and brother team Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the bracket race held at San Antonio Raceway on Saturday, September 17, 2005. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team, through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. Alesi and Ayrton had a great night and came close to racing each other in the finals. Ayrton treed his competitor in the semi-finals, but lost on a break out pass. Alesi went to the final round and came up short against her competitor, Michael Zampese. We were very proud of our drivers’ performance on Saturday with a final and semi-final round appearance, and the cars were there for them. Our next race will be October 1, 2005 at San Antonio Raceway. Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator Team, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for being the best sponsors in the racing industry. Also, thanks to IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for promoting jr. dragster racing.

San Antonio Raceway Double Points - September 10, 2005

2005-09-15T08:11:00.000-06:00

September 15, 2005 - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe from Rockdale, TX, attended the double points bracket race held at San Antonio Raceway, September 10, 2005. After two rain delays, the team had a strong finish with Ayrton making it to the quarter final round and Alesi advancing to the semi-finals. With just a couple of races left until the Division 4 Bracket Finals, the team is focusing on ending the 2005 season with a strong finish at its final events. Alesi and Ayrton will travel to San Antonio Raceway this Saturday and compete in the bracket race. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team, from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs.

Lone Star Raceway Park IHRA Division 4 Renegade Shootout and Pro-Am - September 2-4, 2005

2005-09-07T08:46:00.000-06:00

September 5, 2005 - Lone Star Raceway Park, Sealy, Texas - The weekend was packed full of racing, with hot and humid Texas days and steamy nights. New Breed Racing, the jr. dragster team from San Antonio Raceway, had a great time and the Saturday "double points" Renegade Shootout proved successful for team member Alesi Gerthe, a fifteen year old sophomore at Rockdale High School. Alesi won the Renegade Shootout Jr. Masters which moved her to the Jr. Jam Shootout with Dylan Lee who won Jr. Advanced and Tristen "Chigger" Johnson who won Jr. Beginner. Dylan got the BYE in the Jr. Jam Shootout, Alesi beat "Chigger" and went on to race Dylan in the finals. Dylan won and Alesi was runner-up. It's really interesting and evident what a special bond these jr. racer's have with each other, because they are friends all weekend long, but when they roll through the water box, it's all business. We came up short of our divisional goal this season, but thanks to many friends old and new, it was a year of learning, growing and alot of fun! Our crew chief/dad Duane does an awesome job tuning and preparing the cars for each race and we wouldn't be a success without his expertise and "finger pointing"!! Thanks for everything Dad, you are the best and we love you!!! John Harden is the best chassis builder, Craig Blossom is an awesome engine builder and this combination keeps us going rounds and we appreciate them for providing us with all the best parts! This year has been very special with the new relationship we have with Terry and Rhonda McMillen and their entire crew including Jim Walczak. Each race weekend wouldn't be the same without the support of so many people, including our "racing family": the Lee's, Matheny's, Wayne Baker, Twig, the Buford's, Johnson's, Zampese's, Talley's, Crim's, Kilpatrick's, George and Karen. We would like to thank the BEST sponsors in the racing industry: Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator Funny Car Team as part of the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Race Fuel, NGK Spark Plugs and Flatout Gaskets. Also, we'd like to thank IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, Drag Review and Jeanne Gendreau for giving our kids the opportunity to live their dreams and for the "Green Light Gang".

Lone Star Raceway - August 27, 2005

2005-09-02T06:04:00.000-06:00

New Breed Racing attended a bracket and jr. dragster war race held at Lone Star Raceway Park in Sealy, Texas on August 27, 2005. We had made some changes to the cars and needed to make some test runs to prepare for the upcoming divisional. We had only completed the first round of the jr. dragster wars, but had almost finished the bracket race when a front blew in just before midnight. Alesi had made it to the finals in the bracket race, but the race was called when the front brought high winds and rain. This same front from the North was the one that collided with Hurricane Katrina and directed her North into the mainland of the Gulf of Mexico. New Breed Racing thanks their sponsors Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator Team along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Race Fuels, NGK Spark Plugs and Flatout Gaskets.

San Antonio Raceway - August 20, 2005

2005-08-23T07:28:00.000-06:00

August 20, 2005 - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, from Rockdale, Texas traveled to the weekly bracket points race and I-10 series held at San Antonio Raceway. The team is sponsored by Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator Team from Elkhart, Indiana as part of the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Race Fuels, NGK Spark Plugs and Flatout Gaskets. In racing action today, Ayrton went out in the second round and Alesi made it to the quarter finals. Alesi and Ayrton thank their sponsors for all of their support!

Alesi Gerthe featured in IHRA Drag Review Green Light Gang - August 5, 2005

2005-08-15T13:25:00.000-06:00

IHRA Mr. Gasket Pro-Am At Tulsa Raceway Park - The Fourth of July weekend weather was fantastic, especially compared to last year's divisional heat wave at Tulsa Raceway Park (TRP), (temperatures last year reached over 108 degrees in the shade.) Racers were also appreciative of the ongoing improvements at TRP and the concession stands catered by Rich Moline's Up In Smoke Barbecue. JUNIOR MASTER - Brandon Bass from San Antonio, Texas moved on to the finals where he was paired with Alesi Gerthe from Rockdale, Texas. Bass took the Ironman with his perfect .000 light and Gerthe's breakout, 8.00 on her 8.01 dial. Fifteen-year-old Alesi Gerthe of New Breed Racing drives an '03 Hardens powered by an '05 Blossom Racing Engine. She thanks her parents Duane and Lisa and her brother Ayrton. She said, "I'm glad Uncle Karl was with us this weekend in Tulsa, as well as all my racing family; the Lee's, Michael Zampese, the Johnson's, the Buford's, the Bailey's, the Matheny's, Wayne Baker and Twig. Thanks to all of you for the memorable weekend and especially the "Water War". George and Karen, thanks for your support. Ron Matheny, you win the award for the "Water War" because somehow you seemed to get everybody wet, especially when you hid on the top of your bus!" Gerthe added, "Thank you to our IHRA Adopt A Junior Dragster sponsor, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports owned by Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator team, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, NGK Spark Plugs and Flatout Gaskets. Also we thank our regular weekly supporters in Texas; the Talley's, the Kilpatrick's and the Crim's. These people call us each week to get the weekly race report and we appreciate their support." Gerthe also was the runner-up on Saturday (Jr. Master) in the Renegade Series.

San Antonio Raceway - August 13, 2005

2005-08-15T10:43:00.000-06:00

August 15, 2005 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the weekly bracket race at San Antonio Raceway, August 13, 2005. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team, from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. This past weekends bracket race was a "double points" event and Ayrton went to the second round and Alesi made a semi-final round appearance. The team will travel to San Antonio Raceway this weekend for a bracket and I-10 series race. Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator Team, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for all their support and also thanks to IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for promoting jr. dragster racing.

IHRA Division 4 Renegade Shootout and Pro-Am Tour - San Antonio Raceway - August 5-7, 2005

2005-08-15T10:28:00.000-06:00

August 7, 2005 - Rockdale, TX - New Breed Racing, Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe, attended the IHRA Division 4 Renegade Shootout and Pro-Am Tour at San Antonio Raceway this weekend, August 5-7, 2005. Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team owners, Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the Amalie Oil InstiGator Team through the IHRA Adopt A Jr. Dragster Program, sponsor the IHRA Division 4 Junior Dragster Team, from San Antonio Raceway, along with Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets and NGK Spark Plugs. Alesi and Ayrton were very excited to be back at the racetrack after a brief break in racing due to the recent rainy weather in Texas. It’s been three weeks since we have been able to race and although we are thankful for the recent rains, it was time to get back to racing! On Sunday, Alesi made it to the quarter finals and down to five cars before losing on a break out pass. Alesi and Ayrton would like to thank Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Team owners Terry and Rhonda McMillen and the InstiGator Team, Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, and NGK Spark Plugs for all their support and also thanks to IHRA, Sherrie Barbour, and Drag Review for promoting jr. dragster racing. Have a great weekend!
Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe