What a year it's been for the Lucas Oil / Carter Motorsport / Andersen Racing / Top Fuel team! We have done and achieved so much that I don't think you can fully appreciate it until you take a step back and take it all in.

We started the year by announcing the huge news that we had a new main sponsor for the 2007-8 seasons: American oil giant Lucas Oil. With a name like Lucas on board, everything had to go up a level so we knew we were in for a hectic season.

I think we all knew at this point that to really fulfil our obligation and to be ultra competitive we would have to rethink our plans with the car. As soon as the news broke that 2006 champion, Håkan Nilsson was to retire from Top Fuel, we had to find out what the next step was for the Andersen Racing team. Two trips to Denmark later and the new Lucas Oil / Landmeco Top Fuel machine was in place for the coming year.

Part of the commitment to our new sponsor was to raise awareness for both the brand and the entire product range, so a busy schedule was drawn up where we could put up a static display with the show car as the centre piece.

The first such outing was at Autosport International at the Birmingham NEC. In 2003 we used this event to announce our First National deal so we knew how to generate the interest required and unveil our new primary sponsor with maximum impact. With Les Downey of Lucas Oil Europe present, the covers were pulled back to reveal the freshly-vinyled show car in front of a huge crowd. I believe the quality and professionalism of this event set the tone for the season.

As a team, we pride ourselves on our performance both on and off the track. We want to be number one in all areas and this includes our web site, press activity, sponsor exposure, merchandise, event presence etc. With our commitment to Lucas Oil in mind, a very hectic performance schedule was agreed to include new territory for us at the likes of Bug Jam 21, Ultimate Street Car, AACI All Clubs Rally etc. We found these events very enjoyable, as we had the opportunity to share our sport with a whole new audience. The Lucas Oil car was always well received as we continued to expose the product range to as wider audience as possible. This commitment will continue throughout 2008.

On the track, the season of highs and lows played out with immense drama at every turn. Our partnership with Andersen Racing is so strong and it has been an absolute pleasure to work with this team over the year. I believe the strength of our team is evident in all areas not only with those who work on the car but also the support / hospitality crew too. Each member fully recognises the importance of each other's rôle and the respect between us all is massive. I will not forget arriving at Mantorp Park with Gary Cottingham where every single crew member stopped what they were doing and came over and shook us both by the hand and welcomed us. This crew is such a well-oiled machine with each member just getting on with their job to the best of their ability and the ability is I believe, the best there is! The tuning expertise of Karsten and Per Andersen is outstanding and the professionalism and knowledge of the rest of the crew is absolutely awesome.

That leads us on to Andy Carter .The best Top Fuel pilot in Europe? I think many would have to agree! I have heard Karsten and Per on many occassions throughout the year comment on Andy's skill as a driver and vast experience. His feel for what the car is doing is exceptional and as we have all witnessed he is the king of pedalling. Who can forget the pedal at the Main Event before the 314 mph?

I believe this year has been very different for Andy as a driver. Obviously the pressure and expectation were there, but in himself, he was the most calm and relaxed I have ever seen him. His focus was high and intense as ever but in a different way. He was enjoying his racing!

So now the season has drawn to conclusion, I don't believe that TF4 is a true reflection of this team's achievements over the year and what a list of achievements it has been:

All time highest FIA Top Fuel points scorer; high speed at the FIA Main Event, 314 mph; first person to run over 300 mph (303 mph) at the Nitro Nationals at Alastaro, Finland; number one qualifier at the Veidec Festival, Mantorp Park, Sweden; new track record at Mantorp Park, 4.73/313; new FIA European ET record, 4.732; number one qualifier at the FIA European Finals, Santa Pod Raceway, UK; equalled the track record Santa Pod, 4.645; reset FIA European ET record, 4.703 (Backed up by the too quick 4.645 above).

We now have all the data and experience with the car to hit the ground running in 2008. Andy is more hungry than ever to take back the Top Fuel crown and become three time FIA European Champion. We have the backing, we have the crew, we have the car, we have the driver! We really are a well oiled machine!

We look forward to seeing you at the track or at any of our show appearances scheduled for next season. Our web site at www.andycarter.net will keep you posted on all the goings on throughout the off season including our new appearance schedule which kicks off at Autosport International at the NEC, Birmingham in January.

Carter Motorsport would like to thank their primary sponsor, Lucas Oil, and we would also like to thank the following associate partners for their continued support: NGK Spark Plugs, Binamic Web Design, Pioneer Print, Crane Cams, K&N Filters, Yuasa Batteries, BMRS, Sigma Signs, Rainbow Conference Sets, 3t Creative Ltd, Norfolkline, RCS Cables, Teng Tools, CAAR, Autotel Race Radio, AACI, Landmeco, USA Autodele and Jerrys.

Dan Welberry
Carter Motorsport

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