Noted Nitro tuner Tony Shortall and team owner/driver Jeff Diehl have joined together under the banner of Ideal Racing, and plan to debut next weekend at the NHRA 50th Anniversary Winternationals in Pomona, Ca.

Diehl most recently drove for ROCKSTAR Energy Drink on the IHRA tour and select NHRA events two seasons ago. Shortall worked with Tony Pedregon in 2009.

“The car kept getting better and better every run we made," said Diehl. "Tony and I expect a continuation of that same progress at the upcoming NHRA Winternationals."

They believe launching the program at one of the more prestigious events of the season, and because it's in the Los Angeles market, provides an excellent opportunity.

“Where can we possibly find a better place to start this team than the 50th Anniversary of the NHRA Winter Nationals at Pomona," added Shortall. "What we are doing today is no different than what Don Garlits, Don Prudohme and John Force did when they pursued their dreams in their beginnings. Hopefully we can have a glimmer of their success in our future."

This partnership with Shortall is an opportunity that Diehl plans to make the most of, in a simplistic kind of way.

“I’m excited to team up with Tony and do what we have talked many times about doing, starting an NHRA Funny Car Team." Diehl explained. "We have been friends for a long time and understand what motivates each other … it’s not complicated… it’s just racing… and that’s how we intend to approach this."

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