Hillary Will Tapped To Drive Dote Racing Top Fueler In 2012

The Dote Racing Top Fuel team, a three-generation family of drag racers, have tapped popular driver Hillary Will to pilot their dragster in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series in 2012, with the team’s partial schedule beginning at Gainesville in March.

Based in Monroe, Ohio, the Dote Racing Team is actively seeking sponsorship for 2012 and beyond, with eyes on a full tour of duty beginning with the 2013 season.

Connie Dote, the team co-owner said, “Doug Kuch and the guys have been working diligently all summer to get everything ready.  Now that we have hired Hillary, I think we have all the right parts and people in place.”  Sue Dote , co-owner added, “I hope to be more competitive than ever and I can’t wait for the season to start.”

Crew chief Doug Kuch worked with Dale Armstrong on Kenny Bernstein’s Budweiser King Funny Car operation beginning in 1988 and has remained in the sport ever since, most recently winning three national event titles and Pro Crew Chief of the Year with Doug Foley.

Will, who now calls Avon, Indiana home, worked her way up through the ranks and scored her first Top Fuel win at the 2008 Summer Nationals in Topeka, driving a dragster owned by Ken Black and managed by Kalitta Motorsports. That season, Will finished an impressive fourth in the Top Fuel standings with three final round appearances. She also gained international success, winning the inaugural Scott Kalitta Memoria USA vs. Australia Race in Sydney, Australia.

“I couldn’t be more excited; I am so thankful for this opportunity,” said Will. “I miss driving, I miss winning, and I miss being part of a team.  The Dote Racing Team is exactly where I want to be.  Like me, they began racing in the sportsman classes and have a strong passion for racing.  I can’t wait for our team to be in the winner’s circle and I’m looking forward to many successful years of racing with them.”