Doug Foley and his Foley Lewis Racing Top Fuel team underwent significant changes during the 2023/2024 offseason, notably reintroducing co-crew chief Doug Kuch and implementing various adjustments before preseason testing. The team, co-owned by Tim Lewis, participated in a two-day test session at Gainesville in mid-February to gauge the impact of these modifications on on-track performance.
Foley expressed confidence in transitioning from a testing phase to race mode for the upcoming NHRA Gatornationals, emphasizing the positive response from the car despite limited track time due to inclement weather.
“We did make some changes over the winter, and the car responded really well,” Foley remarked. “Fortunately, it did because we didn’t get much time down there with a shortened test session due to rain.”
The collaboration between Kuch and co-crew chief Lance Larsen during the test session showcased their effectiveness as a duo, affirming their readiness for the challenges of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods schedule. Foley highlighted Kuch’s seamless reintegration into the team and the collaborative effort to leverage past experiences and recent advancements in performance.
“Testing was the first time that Doug’s been back with us in a couple of years,” Foley noted. “We picked up where we left off a couple of years ago.”
Identifying qualifying as a key area for improvement, Foley emphasized the team’s objective to secure better starting positions to enhance their competitive edge on race day. Despite consistently strong performances during races, unfavorable draws have hindered their ability to convert those efforts into victories, prompting a strategic focus on qualifying performance.
“Our biggest goal this year is to not put ourselves in that No. 13, 14, or 15 spot in qualifying all the time,” Foley stated. “We have to figure out how to give ourselves a better opportunity on Sunday.”
Alloy Employer Services will serve as the primary partner for Foley Lewis Racing at the NHRA Gatornationals, marking the continuation of their partnership from the previous season. The expansion of Alloy’s involvement underscores their confidence in the team’s potential to drive business growth through NHRA drag racing.
“Having Alloy expand on their program from last year to three races is a huge testament to what they think Foley Lewis Racing can do,” Foley remarked.
United Garage Door Company’s partnership with Foley Lewis Racing represents a significant development, with the company now serving as the primary sponsor at select races and expanding its market presence through the team’s representation.
“To have a company that came on board during the winter step up and give us this opportunity is really exciting,” Foley expressed.
Foley highlighted the collective support from both new and returning partners, emphasizing the vital role of sponsorships in sustaining and expanding the team’s operations. He urged fans to consider supporting the brands that endorse NHRA drag racing, emphasizing their contribution to the sport’s growth and sustainability.
“A lot of fans probably don’t realize how much they can help their favorite race teams by buying from the companies that get involved with teams,” Foley emphasized. “It really does make a difference.”
