“We wanted to plan something unique for our drag racing fans since 'Hot Rod' Fuller is competing just a few hours from Caterpillar’s corporate headquarters in Peoria, Ill.,” said Jim Parker, vice president of Caterpillar’s North American Commercial Division. “We’re thrilled so many of our employees are engaged and will be supporting the team.”

This is the largest company-sponsored event for Caterpillar employees at Route 66 Raceway. When not watching the Caterpillar dragster race to speeds in excess of 300 mph, Cat Racing fans are sure to be found crowding around the DPM Iron Eagle Club hospitality tent catching a glimpse of the engine-rebuild process or speaking to Fuller in the pit area. Also expect to see the Cat Racing fans make a colorful statement at the racetrack as they’ll be sporting Caterpillar’s signature color to create a sea of yellow in the stands.

“When I heard how many people are making the trip up to support us at Joliet, all I could say is ‘Wow,’ ” Fuller said. “The more than 3,000 Cat employees and their families and friends attending show what great support we have. I keep saying we have the best sponsor in the sport. We did pretty well at Madison last month; I hope we can bring home another win in Illinois in front of all the Cat people.”