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Jeff Arend - Back in the Saddle Again

In the wake of the tragedy that took place during the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNationals earlier this season, where two time NHRA Top Fuel Dragster Champion and current Funny Car competitior Scott Kalitta perished in a fatal crash, some good news has come about for one of the most under-rated drivers in our sport today.

Jeff Arend, a former resident of Toronto, ON who now resides in California, has paid his dues In a sport that many times only allows one true shot at the big show. The recent announcement that he will drive the DHL Toyota Solara Funny Car for Kalitta Motorsports starting at the upcoming Mac Tools U.S. Nationals, proves that good guys don’t always finish last.

After a little less than a year away from the cockpit of a 7000 horsepower flopper, Arend has a lot to bring to the table after a successful 2007 campaign behind the wheel of the Worsham family’s CSK Blue Team car. A national event winner (1996 – Reading) and #1 qualifier at his last race in a Funny Car at the Winternationals to end the 2007 season, Arend has consistently posted better than average reaction times over his career, taking full advantage of his infrequent opportunities to mix it up with the big boys.

Arend also brings a very tangible asset to the table with his sincere and passionate presentation when dealing with the media and his fans. So often in our sport today, you see drivers attempting to be amped up but in their efforts end up coming across as trying too hard.

It’s clear that Arend has a lot of people to thank that have helped him along the way. From Paul Smith, who helped him to his only career Funny Car victory in 1996, to his friend Del Worsham who gave him the opportunity to have a top flight ride for an entire season in 2007, allowing Arend to showcase his driving talents with all the necessary resources to do so.

It’s not often you get two shots as a hired shoe with highly-funded, veteran teams in your career, so to you Jeff Arend I say congratulations, good luck and carpe diem.

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