GOJO Firebird” and “Top Secret” blasted down the track!
See them again in 2013!

^[1]

GOJO Firebird

Rich Hanna

World Record Holder

Jet-Propelled Champion

Jet Engines…On Wheels

“GOJO Firebird”

Rich Hanna launches his jet-propelled ‘GOJO Firebird’ Pontiac Jet Funny Car down a quarter-mile blacktop track at speeds which have reached his world record of 295.08 miles an hour. That works out to nearly five miles per minute!

How does it feel being behind the wheel of a jet thrust-driven race car? A little scary at fi rst, the Pratt & Whitney teardown inspector and jet engine machinist admits. Yes, Rich works at a jet engine plant when not behind the wheel of his GOJO Firebird. His is a sport not for the weak of heart. Rich sustains four positive G forces at takeoff and hits top speed in just a quarter mile. It takes a brake and a chute to stop him at 6 Gs as he decelerates. His demanding schedule has taken Rich and his topnotch team all over America and to Canada, Brazil and Puerto Rico. Indispensable team members include his father, Al Hanna, and crew chief Jeff Robillard.

“Every person has his job.” says Rich, “Preparing for the next run requires focus and precision.” Not to mention steady nerves and a dash of courage. Rich’s most important steadying influence is his family—wife, Jen, and his kids JR, Alan and Megan.

Ken Hall “Top Secret”

^[2]

Top Secret

Ken Hall grew up working as pit crew on his father’s alcohol FC, the “Shenandoah”, and also behind the scenes at his hometown track, Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, PA. More recently, he has been a member of the NHRA ‘Safety Safari’.  Ken was touring with his father’s blown coupe in the ‘Hot Rods from Hell’ when he eventually took over those driving duties at 27.  He was a natural behind the wheel.

In 2001, Al and Rich Hanna were looking for a driver for their ‘Top Secret’ Jet Funny Car.  Ken fit the profile needed to drive the ‘most technologically advanced’ Jet Funny Car in the world.  Not only is he a great driver, he is wonderful with the fans.  He was licensed in early 2002, and has been thrilling fans nationwide ever since.

Ken has aspirations for the future to drive a Nostalgia front engine fuel dragster and be a motorsports broadcaster.  His vibrant personality and drive will make those both obtainable goals.  In his free time, Ken enjoys motorcycle touring, and country/salsa dancing with friends and family.

Ken thanks his parents, Harry and Thelma, his twin brother, Mike, for their support.