Current NHRA Top Fuel points leader Rod Fuller will pilot the yellow-and-black MacAllister CAT dragster during the 53rd running of the prestigious U.S. Nationals. David Powers Motorsports and Indianapolis-based MacAllister Machinery have partnered for the Indianapolis event, Aug. 29-Sept. 3, at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, it was announced today. This is the seventh time that David Powers Motorsports and a Caterpillar dealer group have joined to back Fuller’s car this season.

The relationship between David Powers Motorsports and the CAT dealer groups is designed as a pilot program to increase technician recruiting. Caterpillar dealers are experiencing a shortage of technicians and NHRA drag racing offers a technician-rich recruiting environment to find qualified candidates with experienced mechanical backgrounds. MacAllister Machinery is Indiana’s leading heavy equipment supplier and operates 14 locations throughout Indiana.

“This is the seventh time we’re running the CAT colors,” Fuller said. “I hope this is lucky number seven and we can put this MacAllister CAT dragster in the winner’s circle. To do that at the U.S. Nationals, our biggest race of the year, would be an awesome way to showcase our talent and to get the word out about the need to hire technicians for the Caterpillar dealers. We want to have another strong showing in the CAT car as we begin the Countdown.”

Fuller enters the 18th race on the 2007 NHRA schedule atop the NHRA Top Fuel standings, having amassed a 184-point advantage over Tony Schumacher. The Las Vegas resident has two victories in five final-round appearances this season, along with earning four poles. Fuller and his Rob Flynn-led team have advanced to at least the semifinals at 12 of 17 races this season. Last month, he drove his Wagner CAT-backed car to the win at the Denver race at Bandimere Speedway. It was his fifth career Top Fuel win. The U.S. Nationals is the first race in the Countdown to Four in the new six-race Countdown to the Championship playoff format.

“How could you partner with a more high-powered team than with Caterpillar and David Powers Motorsports,” MacAllister Machinery Co. Vice President of Operations Doug Clark said. “MacAllister has lots of customers, employees and potential employees that love NHRA drag racing. We sell powerful machines and like watching powerful machines perform. We look forward to interacting with potential employees at our booth at the 2007 U.S. Nationals.”

MacAllister Machinery will display Caterpillar equipment at the U.S. Nationals. They will have a location in the popular Manufacturer’s Midway area of the pits where fans can inquire about a career as a Caterpillar dealer technician, acquire information on the CAT equipment, and meet Fuller.