Alesi Gerthe begins testing in the Amalie Oil InstiGator

December 5, 2008 - While most people enjoyed a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday weekend taking in football games or catching the right deal on items at the local store, New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe was taking another step in her quest to become a professional drag racer by beginning her first experience in the Amalie Oil “InstiGator” Alcohol Funny Car.

Alesi met up with Terry McMillen and Hoosier Thunder Motorsports crew members Tad Heflick and Austin Lambright over the weekend at Tulsa Raceway Park. Alesi, Austin and Tad each took turns in the “InstiGator” under the watchful eye of team owner Terry McMillen.

“When Terry and Rhonda ‘adopted’ Ayrton and I back in the Spring of 2005, they began mentoring and grooming us in all aspects of our racing program with the goal of joining the professional ranks someday,” commented Alesi. “This past weekend I was able to take the next step toward that goal and I am very excited about my future. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunity to test in the Amalie Oil ‘InstiGator’, and we wouldn’t be where we are today with our race program without so many people, including our partners, and especially Terry and Rhonda. We couldn’t have picked a better group of people to be associated with and to know they chose us, is definitely an honor. They are committed to bringing up the next generation of driver’s, and I can’t wait for my next opportunity to gain more seat time in the ‘InstiGator’. I haven’t stopped smiling since we left Tulsa,” concluded Alesi.

Alesi Gerthe inducted into Temple College honor society

Temple, TX - New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe was inducted into the Lambda Theta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at Temple College on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Alesi is obtaining her Associates of Arts before transferring to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Established in 1918 by two-year college presidents, Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest and most prestigious honor society serving two-year colleges around the world. The Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership and service programming. Membership eligibility is based on an overall 3.5 grade point average after completion of 12 academic credit hours in two consecutive semesters; therefore, membership is a special honor afforded to a small group of outstanding students. Students must be invited to membership in Phi Theta Kappa and must maintain high academic standing during their enrollment in the two-year college.

NGK's new enthusiast website features Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe

NGK’s new enthusiast website in now up! Please visit www.artoffast.com and click on the featured racers section to see Ayrton & Alesi’s profile.

Hurricane Ike's Aftermath on the Texas Coast

September 27, 2008 - Alesi, Ayrton & Lisa took a road trip with their friends, The Carter Family, to the Texas Coastal area to view the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Please remember to keep these communities and families in your prayers. This area will have many days, months and possible years to get back on their feet again. The destruction of the storm is very hard to describe in words, photos do not tell the whole story. We toured the Houston, Kemah, and Galveston areas just two weeks after the storm. Much work has been done, but there is still much to be done.

Alesi & Ayrton meet Alexis De Joria and Sean O'Bannon

September 20, 2008 - Ennis, TX - New Breed Racing traveled to the NHRA O’Reilly Super Start Batteries Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex just south of Dallas, Texas and took in a day of racing from a spectators view. The weather was great and we were able to spend time and talk with Alexis De Joria and Sean O'Bannon, driver's of the Tequila Patrón/Jack O’Bannon Racing Team's Alcohol Funny Cars.

Harwood Industries

September 18, 2008 - New Breed Racing’s Alesi Gerthe is pleased to announce that Harwood Industries has graciously added a photo of her dragster in their recent advertisement featured in NHRA’s National Dragster and IHRA’s Drag Review.

“With over 35 years in the industry, Harwood is the leader in aftermarket fiberglass for race, street and show,” commented Alesi. “At any race, whether nationally or locally, Harwood scoops are on the majority of dragsters, and I am honored that they chose to use my car in their advertisement.”

Skull Shine Sooner Nationals - Tulsa, OK

September 3, 2008 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe made the trip to “Tulsa Town” recently to participate in the Skull Shine Sooner Nationals at Tulsa Raceway Park.

The team competed in Quick Rod, with both driver’s winning first round on Saturday, but bowing out in the second round on Sunday.

“All around we had a great weekend of racing. The cars and our driver’s both performed well,” said Duane Gerthe. “Ayrton also made his fastest pass to date, unintentionally. The heat and humidity forced us to make some changes to our normal setup so he was a little fast, but it only took us a couple of qualifying passes to hit 8.90. Ayrton actually hit it perfectly with an 8.900, but was a bit slower at the light than his competitor in round two. Alesi had a stellar .004 light in round one to pick up the win.”

The teams next planned stop was to be the Sportsman National at State Capitol Dragway in Baton Rouge, LA this past weekend, but Hurricane Gustav forced the event to be cancelled for 2008. Our thoughts and prayers are with those dealing with the aftermath of this latest storm.

Pine Valley Raceway

June 23, 2008 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe attended the fourth stop of the IHRA Pro-Am at Pine Valley Raceway near Lufkin, TX on June 20-22, 2008. The team competed in Quick Rod and was very pleased with the outcome of their efforts for the weekend. “Both cars went rounds each day and we had our strongest weekend as a team this year,” said Lisa Gerthe. “Alesi went out in round two on Saturday and on Sunday went down to the final ten cars. Ayrton went down to ten cars on Saturday and went out in round two on Sunday. Their dedication and commitment in reaching their goal of going rounds for the weekend should definitely move them up in the points. We are very proud of their performance.”

A busy month of May...

June 4, 2008 - The month of May was a busy one with end of school year activities. Many banquets were attended including the National Honor Society banquet which included the induction of Alesi and Ayrton. Alesi also attended the Rockdale High School Awards Ceremony and received numerous awards including a Bartlett Electric Scholarship, the English IV and Economics Award, and a plaque for all A's for the 2007-08 school year. The month ended with Alesi graduating with honors from Rockdale High School.

State Capitol Raceway - Baton Rouge, LA

May 2-4, 2008 - New Breed Racing attended the third stop of the IHRA Pro-Am Tour when it made its way to Cajun Country. A full weekend of racing was enjoyed as well as a "Racer Appreciation Dinner" provided by the track which included the cooking of 2,500 lbs of crawfish along with potatoes and corn on the cob. Several of our racing friends brought home Ironmans including Philip Pennington and Dylan Lee.

2008 RHS Prom

The RHS Prom was held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Patterson Center in Rockdale, TX. Alesi was escorted by her brother Ayrton and the two began their evening with other RHS students for dinner at The Piano Bar & Steakhouse before arriving at the prom. "With graduation just a month away, I am proud to announce that Alesi was chosen by her classmates as ‘Most Likely to Succeed’, said Lisa Gerthe. She was also nominated for Class Favorite and Miss RHS.”

Tulsa Divisional

New Breed Racing, Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe, recently attended the IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am at Tulsa Raceway Park .

After the event, Alesi is currently sitting in the number 17 position in division and 16 in national points, while Ayrton is 19 in division and 28 in national points.

The team will attend the third stop of the tour this weekend at State Capitol Raceway near Baton Rouge, LA.

"Ayrton gained his first round win at Tulsa and the adjustments on his car seemed to improve its consistency," said Duane. "Alesi continues to deliver a consistent package in her lights and at running the Index."

Post Race Update – Amalie Oil Texas Nationals, April 3-6, 2008

April 8, 2008 - Rockdale, TX – New Breed Racing’s Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe competed in the IHRA Knoll-Gas Motorsports Nitro Jam this past weekend when it made its first stop of the season at San Antonio Raceway for the Amalie Oil Texas Nationals.

Alesi and Ayrton both competed in Quick Rod, the 8.90 Index class, and qualified in the number 10 and 11 position. In the Sportsman National event held Friday and Saturday, Alesi made it to the third round and down to nine cars, while younger brother Ayrton went out early. In the main event on Sunday, Alesi lined up against last year’s event winner in round one and advanced to the next round with the win, but bowed out on a double break out pass in round two. Ayrton went out in round one on a break out pass as well.

“We had a great time, starting out our week at the Napa display and right into a weekend full of racing. We had a rain delay Friday morning, which pushed the sportsman national into Saturday’s race day,” commented Alesi. “It was great to spend time with several of our partners; Amalie, Vickery’s, Mickey Thompson, Torco, and especially getting to meet all the new team members of Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, and we always enjoy visiting with Terry and Rhonda. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t go more rounds, but my weekend was capped off in a memorable way when Terry let me drive the Top Fuel dragster back to the pits from the top end after his final round appearance; down parade road in front of all the fans in the stands…that really made my weekend,” concluded Alesi.

“We had an outstanding weekend,” said Duane. “We are trying to get a handle on setting up Ayrton’s throttle stop and ignition, and I’m really excited about the gains we have already made in such a short amount of time this year.”

The next scheduled stop for the team will be the IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am race at Tulsa Raceway Park, April 18-20, 2008.

San Antonio Pro-Am Tour

The 2008 IHRA Division 4 Pro-Am Tour made its first stop at San Antonio Raceway on March 14-16, 2008, and Alesi & Ayrton Gerthe of New Breed Racing were excited to officially get this season started. Alesi and Ayrton competed in Quick Rod, an 8.90 Index class. Ayrton made his debut and is doing really well adjusting to the many different things about his move to a full size dragster. Although he ended each day after first round, the knowledge he gained will prepare him for upcoming races.
Alesi is much more comfortable this year in her dragster and on Saturday she went out first round, but on Saturday went out second round. Next stop for the team is the upcoming Amalie Oil Texas Nationals at San Antonio Raceway, April 3-6, 2008.

SAR Big Money Kick-Off Classic

New Breed Racing’s Alesi and Ayrton Gerthe kicked off the 2008 season at San Antonio Raceway’s Big Money Kick-Off Classic held February 22-24, 2008. Ayrton began his licensing upgrade on Friday evening and completed the required runs on Sunday to become an IHRA Quick Rod driver. “I was excited about getting my quick rod license last weekend, but the race was cancelled, so I had to do it this weekend. It was an exhilarating experience and I hope that many wins will follow later on in the year,” said Ayrton. Alesi went out second round on Saturday going .498 red and went out third round on Sunday when her car unexpectedly picked up several numbers. “I’m thrilled that Ayrton got his quick rod license because he has been looking forward to it for quite some time. He improved with every pass he made and I was very impressed with how well he did. It was great to get back into my car after what seemed like a long winter. My main focus coming into the weekend was to cut consistent lights and get ready for the upcoming divisionals. We had a minor car problem second round on Sunday, but luckily I had some great people help me out and we think we know what the problem is,” commented Alesi. The team will compete next at the IHRA Division 4 Summit Pro-Am Tour at San Antonio Raceway on March 14-16, 2008.

NGK renews New Breed Racing

Lisa Gerthe, owner of New Breed Racing is pleased to announce the return of NGK Spark Plugs to their partnership family. “NGK Spark Plugs has a long history in racing ‘sparking winners’, and we are grateful they selected us for another season of racing. We joined them in 2005 when Terry & Rhonda McMillen took us under their wing to mentor Alesi & Ayrton, and we have been working together ever since. You can find NGK on the web at www.ngksparkplugs.com ,” added Gerthe.

About NGK Spark Plugs:
“Since 1936, NGK Spark Plugs has been the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, NGK manufactures NGK Spark Plugs and NTK Oxygen Sensors for virtually every automotive manufacturer in the world. NGK has built a reputation for quality and reliability, and a commitment to excellence continues to be the driving force behind the company’s advanced research and development programs. With state-of-the-art manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities, NGK is dedicated to providing customers with world-class products and services. In addition to serving OE automotive and aftermarket customers, NGK also produces spark plugs for motorcycle, power sports, marine and small engine manufacturers. NGK also offers complimentary product lines including resistor caps, spark plug wires, and high performance cables. In North America, NGK is headquartered in Wixom, MI and maintains manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities in Irvine, CA, Sissonville, WV, and Chicago, IL.”

NGK Mission:
"We improve life through the environmentally responsible manufacture and precise application of advanced ceramic technologies for all of North America. Focused on innovation and teamwork, we contribute to local and global economic growth by matching our products to our customers' visions each day, exceeding their expectations in quality, value, service and performance." NGK Website

Alesi's 18th Birthday Dinner, Gruene, Texas

January 6, 2008 - Several friends and family members joined us for dinner to celebrate Alesi's 18th birthday in Gruene, Texas over the weekend. We arrived mid-afternoon and checked in at Gruene Mansion Inn Bed & Breakfast's Jackie's Hideway. Alesi was not aware our friends were joining us and we were able to keep the surprise until moments before everyone arrived. One of Alesi's favorite restuarants is the Gristmill and many months ago she asked to dine there on her birthday. We enjoyed spending the evening visiting with a few of our racing friends and we can't wait to get the 2008 race season started! Thanks everyone for a memborable birthday!!!

"The Gristmill River Restaurant: Situated on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River, this spectacular restaurant nestled under the shade of towering oak trees has been the perfect getaway for a unique casual dining experience for thirty years. Located in the historic district of Gruene just beneath the famous Gruene water tower, the restaurant opened in 1977 near New Braunfels on the banks of the Guadalupe River in the original Gruene Cotton Gin. The wooden structure burned to the ground in 1922, and all that remains of the water-powered mill today is the three story brick boiler room – now home to the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar." www.gristmillrestaurant.com

"Gruene, Texas...Gently resisting change since 1872 and located between Austin and San Antonio, and a little behind the times." www.gruenetexas.com

Happy 18th Birthday Alesi!!!!!

It's hard to believe that eighteen years have passed since Alesi was "Rockdale's New Year's Baby of 1990". From barbie's and bows to driving dragsters, the time has flown and we've enjoyed every minute of it. Happy Birthday!!!!