Led by Father Al, Chandler Family Unites to Reach Speeds Approaching 300 Miles-Per-Hour during 2010 NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals at Firebird International Raceway
It’s a safe bet in a vast majority of cases, however, the family’s common bond doesn’t involve climbing into a flame-shooting, Earth-shaking, jet-engine powered hot rod and soaring down drag strips at speeds exceeding more than 280-miles per hour.
So forget quieter pursuits like Scrabble or stamp collecting. When Chandler
Led by father Al, a more than 30-year professional drag racing veteran who has driven everything from Super Stock to Rocket Cars, the Eierdam family has a long and storied racing tradition. Today that tradition continues to be carried on by sons Curt, Craig and Chris – all of whom are actively involved in the family’s jet car team.
On April 24-25, the Eierdam family will do what it does best, bringing three fire-breathing, jet-fuel powered monsters to Firebird International Raceway to compete in the 2010 NAPA
Oldest son Curt, who serves fulltime with the Arizona Air National Guard when he’s away from the drag strip, drives the current version of The Invader. Along the way to strapping himself into the jet car, Curt definitely paid his share of dues. His involvement in jet car racing stretches back to 1976, when he began helping his father with the cleaning and upkeep of the Emergency 1 Jet Dragster – Al Eierdam’s original jet dragster which was stylized after a fire truck.
The Gulf War veteran has performed various roles with the team, including serving as father Al’s crew chief with the original Invader in 1985. In addition to working and racing for the family team, he has helped train jet car teams across the US and has traveled throughout North America and Europe to instruct and repair various jet vehicles.
Like Curt, brothers Craig and Chris also share the jet fuel affliction. Craig is currently an International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) licensed driver who hopes to give Firebird fans a thrill. A definite adrenaline junky, he is also a certified firefighter and EMT and enjoys sports such as snow boarding, wake boarding and sky diving during his off time.
Chris, who is actively working to become licensed by the IHRA himself (apparently the need for speed is a genetic trait in the Eierdam family), currently is in charge of maintaining everything from the complex jet engine and afterburner systems to chassis research and development for the Eierdam team. Equally busy away from the track, Chris has enjoyed a more than 10-year career in the Aerospace Industry.
While each plays a slightly different role, all of the Eierdam family members will be united for one goal this April – victory over the competition at Firebird!
In addition to the flame-throwing jet cars, the 2010 NAPA Auto Parts Monster Truck Nationals will feature - well – Monster Trucks! Former World Champion Jim Koehler leads Avenger into battle against Jim Creten’s Bounty Hunter, while the event also marks the exclusive Arizona
The two-day event may literally have something for everyone including drag racing, off-road racing, a unique midway, a show-and-shine and a Party in the Pits on both days, where fans can get autographs and pictures with their favorite truck.
The big Saturday night show will also feature get fans ready for Summer with a jaw-dropping fireworks display. To purchase tickets on-line, or to learn more, please visit http://www.firebirdraceway.com. Information and tickets are also available by calling 602-268-0200.
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