BOB THOMAS RACING, LLC
The Owner/Driver and the Crew.
BOB THOMAS - Owner & Driver
Bob honed his driving skills and sought out opportunities to upgrade his expertise by attending the prestigious Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School in Gainesville, Florida. His off the track accomplishments include participating in and growing the family business, a successful convenience store, adding an additional location while attaining an Electrical Engineering degree and a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. In addition, he has been employed for over 20 years as an electrician at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant (Ford Motor Company).
Thomas enjoys "state of the art" racing gear and has been working feverishly putting this Top Alcohol Funny Car together. He has acted as the principal idea architect, crew chief and main mechanic. "This car has some really interesting specs that will absolutely differentiate it on the racetrack," said Thomas. " I have high expectations and I cannot wait for the opportunity to win my first National Event. This is the car that can do it!"
Thomas has recently collaborated with racing legend, and four-time world champion, Shirley Muldowney; and enjoys her advice and counsel - but what he values the most is her support and friendship.
Danny Burkhart
With his many years of mechanic's experience and his extraordinary ability to recognize a potential problem and proactively seek the best solution, Danny brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. He seems to project a "no problem" attitude and his guidance and advice are a welcome addition to this very experienced crew.
Dave Lawson
Dave seems to intuitively recognize where help is needed and with his enthusiasm and encouraging demeanor, he is a most welcome addition to the team. Asking Dave to do something is tantamount to having it completed accurately and in a timely fashion. Dave continues to fine tune his skills and adds his support wherever he can.
T. J. Gwozdz
T.J. brings nearly 40 years as a machinist in both CNC and Bridgeport fabrication production jobs varied from simple lathe ops to multi-axis milling across many industries. After 30 years on the shop floor, he moved to logistics to provide forward planning skills to move organizations to the next level. Throughout these years, he's been enthusiastic about cars and especially engines. The upshot is that he has a rare confluence of forward vision, vehicular and powerplant know-how, and the passion to put team performance above all.
Chuck Kurzawa
Chuck started working on cars with his dad at a very young age. His dad built and drove Top Fuel dragsters from 1966 and retired from driving in 1983. His passion for Drag Racing began the first time he heard a Top Fueler run. Currently an A.S.E. and State Master Certified Mechanic and has been in the profession since age 21. In honor of his dad and all his accomplishments in racing; in 2022 he finally fulfilled a childhood dream of driving and owning a beautiful 220" Blown 526 Keith Black, Methanol burning front engine dragster. He truly loves what he does for a living and drag racing is the icing on the cake.
David "Bull" A. Lawson
For 24 years Bull has been a journeyman plumber and pipefitter; working in Dayton, Ohio for UA Local 162. He has remarkable welding and fabrication skills and an ability to solve problems. Always willing to help the team when/where needed; and fully focused on the small details that can make a project go from just mediocre to over the top with excellence.
Shirley Muldowney
Team Technical Advisor
Shearl Ridsdale
Linda Stoneburner
Marketing Team