Ken Hall, long time driver of the Hanna Motorsports Jets-owned 'XLERATOR Top Secret' Firebird center-drive jet funny car, joined an exclusive and very short list of drivers who've run in the 280 MPH bracket.  

Over the many years since the creation of jet funny cars, the thrust-driven machines have seldom entered the 280 MPH arena. During the period when the jet car owners were united, in the Pro Jet Association, there was actually a 280 MPH Club for those drivers who achieved that goal.  Again, that list is very short.

Ken Hall, long time driver of the Hanna Motorsports Jets-owned 'XLERATOR Top Secret' Firebird center-drive jet funny car, joined an exclusive and very short list of drivers who've run in the 280 MPH bracket.  

Over the many years since the creation of jet funny cars, the thrust-driven machines have seldom entered the 280 MPH arena. During the period when the jet car owners were united, in the Pro Jet Association, there was actually a 280 MPH Club for those drivers who achieved that goal.  Again, that list is very short.

This past weekend, at Virginia Motorsports Park's annual 'Super Chevy' event, Kenny had an incredible weekend. First, while running against his 'GOJO Firebird' team member Rich Hanna, he tripped the clocks at 5.70@ 279 MPH.  The second run of the day produced a near-track record run of 5.64@ 283 MPH.  The following day, Kenny once again ran a pair of 5.70's that were in the high 270 MPH range.  The fans flocked to the trailer for autographs, and to shake the hand of the new club member.  Kenny was really a proud and happy driver.

The XLERATOR Hand Dryer-sponsored machine is a unique center-drive machine, that was first designed by the Hanna Motorsports team in 1993.  At that time, the "Eastern Raider" Firebird center-drive machine was introduced.  The concept was so different in terms of jet funny cars that many felt the concept would never be successful.  To date, however, there have been multiple copies of this concept, all of whom are running successfully across the US, with one being campaigned in the UK as well, Roger Gorings' Firestorm' machine.

Ken Hall drives the XLERATOR 'Top Secret' machine at more then 20 events across the US yearly, along with additional personal appearances, trade shows, auto shows, and more.  Ken comes from a great racing heritage, with his Dad Harry Hall recently being inducted into the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame.  Kenny's twin brother Mike also drives the family AA/Altered and Nostalgia FC's as well. Kenny's girlfriend, Alyson recently purchased Bob Hall's 'Paddy Wagon', and will soon join the ranks of exhibition drivers.

Hanna Motorsports fields a team of three jet cars including the 'XLERATOR Top Secret', the 'GOJO Firebird', and the all new and radical "Queen of Diamonds II" semi-streamliner 300 MPH Jet Dragster driven by Jill Canuso.  The next appearance for all three machines is at the upcoming 'Super Chevy' event being held at Martin, Michigan's' US 131 Motorsports Park on May 30-31, and June 1st.  We invite you all to stop by and say hello.