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The "First Strike" Firebird - 1999 Pontiac Firebird side driver position jet funny car. This car is recognized as the fastest in the history of the sport. This is the only jet funny car in history to run in excess of 290 mph in the quarter and is the World Speed Record Holder at a backed-up 290.04 MPH. 2nd generation driver Rich Hanna wheels the "First Strike" Firebird more then 25 events per year. The name "First Strike" came from the fact that this was Rich's first attempt at professional drag racing as a driver in addition to the fact that he loved professional bowling and carries an average in excess of 220. The word 'Strike' denotes more then one meaning in this name.
By weekday, Rich Hanna is a jet engine inspector at Pratt & Whitney in Cheshire, CT. By weekend, he is the "World Speed and ET Record Holder" in the Jet Funny Car category. He has been professionally drag racing for 13 years and found his love for the sport at a young age while crewing for his father's Nitro Funny Car team.
Rich is a multifaceted young man with a wide variety of interests. He enjoys bowling, a past time that once interested him as a profession. When his first race car was built, he decided on the name "First Strike" symbolizing his first venture in professional drag racing and, naturally, his passion for bowling. He is also a very talented artist and an overall avid athlete.
Rich's racing career began at 19 when he won his nationally televised debut race at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. He has since met the challenge of every competitor, holds over 50 track records (a best of 5.42 @ 295mph) and, furthermore, he is ever determined to stay at the top of his category.
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