Michael Beard Carries Duck Tape/Loctite To Stock World Championship

Courtesy Of Team Duck Tape
Madison, Ohio - (October 23, 2003) A group of people came together this season in a wild chain of events that led to Michael Beard, of Madison, Ohio, claiming the IHRA Stock World Championship in his rookie season in the Hooters IHRA Racing Series.

The chain began with Beard's partner, Matt Zapp. The pair teamed up last year with Henkel Consumer Adhesives by debuting the Duck brand duct tape logo on Zapp's dragster at the Sunoco World Nationals. In 2003, the team expanded to included a "Duck Tape" Camaro in Hot Rod, with Beard entering Stock eliminator in Terry Knott's '73 Dart Sport, with backing from Duck and Loctite, another Henkel Consumer Adhesives brand.

"Our new family at Henkel has been wonderful to work with," claimed Beard. "They've been very supportive, and have kind of adopted us as their sports team - someone they can root for. They work hard, but they play hard, too, and have a lot of fun with all they do. It's refreshing to see such a big company that's so down to earth.

"The racers and fans are having fun with us, too," continued Beard. "Everywhere we go, people identify with the Duck and Loctite brands. 'Everybody needs Duck tape', they'll say. There are a couple of 'Duck Hunter' decals on our friend's cars, too.

"IHRA has been an effective marketing tool for us," said Beard. "I'd like to thank everyone that's helped us promote the team, from the magazine, web, media, photography, and announcing staff. They probably don't realize it, but that makes them part of the team, too."

The season came in a whirlwind. The Duck team began running for points on June 28, and by the time they stood in the winner's circle at Virginia Motorsports Park's Pro-Am, they had the Hooters IHRA World Championship locked up. The numbers didn't reflect it at that time, as Beard still had points to be tabulated from a final round that was yet to be completed at the rain-postponed Pittsburgh Pro-Am. The team finished the season with six final round appearances, giving them the highest points total of any sportsman category.

"It's been an incredible season," exclaimed Beard. "If just one little link the chain wasn't there, none of this would have happened. It's the total team effort that has made it all possible. The biggest trick is going to be trying to back it up! We're probably going to overextend ourselves with a very aggressive racing schedule next year, but we're going to have a lot of fun trying!"

Thanks goes out to the Duck and Loctite brands of Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Terry Knott, Matt Zapp, AutoShack Transmissions, Tim Sloan Racing Engines, Mickey Thompson, Auto Meter, Stephen Beard, Jeff Ross, IHRA, Hooters, and all of the contingency sponsors.