Chuck Beal is developing his 23-year-old grandson Brandon Welch to drive the Beal Racing Nitro Funny Car in NHRA competition in 2007.  Welch will also spearhead all future marketing efforts as the team's Vice President of Marketing.

Beal chose Welch, a graduate of Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, to drive his 7,000 horsepower racecar as an investment in the future growth of his organization.

"I have always been impressed with Brandon's work ethic, intelligence, and drive to succeed at whatever he does.  Brandon grew up racing with me and has proven over and over again that he has the 'fire in his belly' to drive one of these things and be a winner.  For the last six years Brandon has been a major part of the team, learning not only the nuts and bolts, but the business side of racing" said Beal. Chuck Beal is developing his 23-year-old grandson Brandon Welch to drive the Beal Racing Nitro Funny Car in NHRA competition in 2007.  Welch will also spearhead all future marketing efforts as the team's Vice President of Marketing.

Beal chose Welch, a graduate of Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, to drive his 7,000 horsepower racecar as an investment in the future growth of his organization.

"I have always been impressed with Brandon's work ethic, intelligence, and drive to succeed at whatever he does.  Brandon grew up racing with me and has proven over and over again that he has the 'fire in his belly' to drive one of these things and be a winner.  For the last six years Brandon has been a major part of the team, learning not only the nuts and bolts, but the business side of racing" said Beal.

Beal added, "This guy has marketability.  He's young, good looking, articulate, and with his college education and work experience, has all the marketing tools needed to take Beal Racing to the next level."

Welch's education and experience are impressive professional credentials for a 23-year-old.  He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management at 21 years old, and followed that with an MBA in Marketing, which he will complete this fall at San Diego State University.  While in school, Welch started an environmental services business and worked for the NFL San Diego Chargers in sponsorship marketing.  He is currently an Account Executive for Integrated Sports Marketing, a sports and event marketing agency in San Diego, experience he will use as the head of marketing for the team.

After a lifetime of dreaming and years of hard work, Welch is excited to start his new career.

"As long as I can remember I've wanted to drive a Nitro Funny Car professionally.  At a young age I committed to working as long and hard as necessary to make that happen.  I've learned a lot about these cars and the racing business in the process.  And now the payoff - I get to stand on 7,000 horsepower."

Welch's training began in August and will continue October 30, 2006 at the Monday test session following the ACDelco Las Vegas NHRA Nationals.