Dale Creasy Jr.

Creasy hopes 11 is his lucky number

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:41:09 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS -- Eleven wins over the past three IHRA season gave Dale Creasy, Jr. two consecutive World Championships. He's hoping the number eleven is his lucky number.

Creasy will undergo his 11th surgery today to repair damage to the leg he injured during a July '08 race in Edmonton. Through it all, Creasy remains upbeat. "I'm not going to let it whip me," he said before the surgery. "I'm looking forward to going back to Edmonton and whipping that track. We were leading that race when the transmission failure happened. Our team deserves to go back out there and beat that track. The great fans in Edmonton and drag racing fans from all over the world have shown so much support to me during this time. I'm determined to get back out there as a way to say thank you to them."

Creasy's road to recovery has had its fair share of tire shake and smoking tires. As recently as the December 2008 IHRA Banquet Creasy was seen walking with the aid of crutches and a walker. His appearance led to a standing ovation when IHRA President Aaron Polburn noted in his opening remarks how inspiring it was to see 'Peanut'.

During a subsequent check up the doctors discovered infection in his leg that would require the 10th surgery and now the 11th to make additional repairs.

"The doctors are optimistic that when this is done I should be able to start rehabilitation again," Creasy said. Meanwhile 'The Champ' is making plans. "I've got a lot of time to sit around and think. I'm ready to get busy working on the car. It doesn't matter if it's a match race, a grudge race or a race for the championship - we're going to be back out there."

Creasy optimistic - 7th surgery is his last

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:59:42 -0600

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Dale Creasy, Jr. - two-time and defending IHRA Nitro Funny Car World Champion is recovering from his seventh surgery since his accident during the Rocky Mountain Nationals this past July 4th in Edmonton, Alberta. The most recent surgery to repair the calf muscle in his left leg was said to be a success. Creasy is looking forward to beginning the rehabilitation process. "It's been a long ordeal," Creasy said from his room at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. "All the doctors have been great. This facility is great They're doing everything they can and I can't thank them enough." In between surgery's Creasy was able to join his team for successful outings in Martin, Tulsa and Epping with his good friend John Lawson behind the wheel. "It was really important for us to be back out there," Dale said. "We really wanted to do it as a 'thank you' to our fans and the IHRA for all of the support they gave to me, my family and my team. I also wanted to thank John [Lawson] for stepping in and driving our car for us. It meant a lot to everyone on our team to see our car out there again racing. John helped us with that opportunity."

To all of our Family, Friends and Fans

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:25:40 -0600

After two weeks in the hospital and four surgeries later in Edmonton, Canada, I'm back at home and on my way to recovery. Although I have a long road to recovery ahead of me, I am already working on plans for next season and hope to be back in the driver's seat at the beginning of the 2009 season. There are so many people that have helped us during the last couple of weeks that it's hard to know where to begin. The support and get well wishes have been truly overwhelming. First and foremost, we'd like to thank all our friends at Jet Label. Your generosity and hospitality meant so much to us. You made a very difficult time a lot easier for my family and me. The words "Thank you" will never be enough for everything that you have done for us. We can only hope that over time there will be some way to repay you for all that you have done. To Rob and Kim Reeves and the entire Castrol Raceway staff, thank you for your hospitality and making us feel like part of your family. We appreciate everything that you've done and the help that you provided while in Canada. We look forward to seeing you next year. To the entire track safety crew, the job that you do and the help that you provide at times like this is greatly appreciated. Your help will never be forgotten. I'm thankful to each and every one of you for the great care that you provided. You're a great group of people. Thanks for everything that you do and the help that you continue to provide to all of the racers. To our families, what would we have done without your support? Mom and Steve, you were by my side everyday in the hospital to take care of me and everything that needed to be done once we were able to come back home. Laurie and I appreciate everything that both of you did and continue to do even now that we're home. To the staff at Royal Alexandra Hospital, we are so happy to be back home, but greatly appreciate everything you did while we were there. The entire staff all made a very difficult time easier and we can never thank you enough for all that you did and the great care that you provided to my family and me. Last, but not least, to all my friends and fans. The get-well wishes and prayers have been amazing and have definitely kept our spirits high over the last couple of weeks. Thanks to all of you for your cards and postings on the Get Well Peanut website. Dale and Laurie Creasy Creasy Family Motorsports

Creasy in good spirits after final surgery

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:08:19 -0600

Dale Creasy, Jr. spoke via phone with friends and family shortly after his final surgery on Sunday. He remains in good spirits, despite being a long way from home. "I can't say enough about the entire staff here at Royal Alex," he said. "They have really made this stay as pleasant as possible, but I'm ready to go home." The down time has given the 2-time IHRA Funny Car Champion time to think and reflect. "I don't want anyone to have to go through what I did, but having gone through this, it really makes you aware of the special people around you every day. Craig and the entire Trackside Safety crew did a great job of getting me out of my car. Every race, every lap, they're right there waiting to put themselves on the line to help racers. How can you say thanks for that?"

Creasy undergoes second successful surgery

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 09:15:08 -0600

Dale Creasy, Jr. underwent a second successful surgery yesterday in Edmonton. Doctors performed the three hour surgery to continue the reconstruction process of his left leg. Dale will undergo an additional surgery on Thursday. "His spirits are really good," long-time friend Terry McMillen said after a conversation with Creasy. "I was kidding him about how he's going to be in great shape after all of this rehab. I told him I was going to have to get a trainer just to keep up with him. He just laughed and said that I'd have to give him at least one day of looking better than me." The Creasy family would also like to send 'get well wishes' to crew member Denny Jameson. Denny underwent successful prostate cancer surgery. Denny is recovering in a Chicago area hospital.

Creasy - Edmonton Update

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:09:26 -0600

EDMONTON, Alb. - Dale Creasy, Jr., two-time defending IHRA Nitro Funny Car World Champion and current points leader is recovering at Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton from leg injuries he received during a semi-final matchup at the Rocky Mountain Nationals. Creasy told IHRA.com, "The transmission was spinning. Something broke and it locked up. There was nothing I could do." Doctors spent five hours repairing Dale's left shin and leg. He is expected to stay at the Edmonton hospital for the next 7-10 days. The recovery process is expected to take between six to nine months. Reports from the Creasy family shortly after Dale's surgery were encouraging as Dale was able to move his toes. Doctors will continue to closely monitor swelling in Dale's left leg. Well wishers are welcome to drop a post to Dale at Get Well Peanut or drop him an email at getwelldale@dalecreasyjr.com. Cards and letters are welcome and may be sent to: Dale Creasy Jr. 1550 Mallard's Cove Beecher, Illinois 60401

Creasy injured in semi-finals at Rocky Mountain Nationals

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:27:23 -0600

EDMONTON, Alb. - Dale Creasy, Jr., driver of the Torco Race Fuels Nitro Funny Car, was injured during a semifinal loss at the Rocky Mountain Nationals yesterday. Somewhere near the finish line Creasy's car had a catastrophic parts failure in the drive line, his legs became entangled in the wreckage. He was air lifted to Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Creasy suffered broken bones in his right foot that will require a cast. His left leg suffered a crushed shin and a compound fracture that will require surgery. Creasy is scheduled for surgery between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Mountain Time at Royal Alexandra Hospital. The Creasy family asks that cards and well wishes be held until Dale returns home. The team also wants to thank Jet Label & Tape for the support they are providing to the family during this time. For updates please check IHRA.com.

Creasy Ready to Rock at the Rocky Mountain Nationals

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:51:41 -0600

Nitro Funny Car points leader will look to win for second time in three years at Castrol Raceway BEECHER, Ill. - In 2006 Dale Creasy Jr. continued on his road to the IHRA Nitro Funny Car world championship by knocking off Jack Wyatt in the final round at the Rocky Mountain Nationals in Edmonton. Last season he advanced to the final again, falling to Terry Haddock with the Ironman on the line. Needless to say, Creasy is very comfortable at Castrol Raceway, where he will look to build on his 2008 points lead at this seasonâ€™s Rocky Mountain Nationals July 4-6. "I love that place, love everything about it," he said of Castrol Raceway. "We have a lot of great memories there and have made so many friends over the last couple of years in Edmonton. Itâ€™s a long drive up there which can be difficult on the crew guys, but once we get there we always have a blast. I can't wait to get things going again this year." The Creasy Family Motorsports team is riding a wave of momentum heading into Edmonton. The last time out they visited the winner's circle, stopping Todd Simpson in the final if the President's Cup Nationals at Maryland International Raceway. That win put the team on top of the 2008 points chase for the first time this season as he looks to claim his third consecutive IHRA Nitro Funny Car title. He currently leads Paul Lee atop the points standings by 45 points.

Stevenson Crane Service gives Creasy a lift

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:38:05 -0600

BEECHER, Ill. -- Creasy Family Motorsports announced today that long-time sponsor Stevenson Crane Service will continue their support of the Nitro Funny Car Team. "I'd like to thank Donna and Danny Stevenson for their continued support," said Dale Creasy, Jr. "They put tires on my truck when I first got it and the relationship has been great ever since." Donna Stevenson started Stevenson Crane Service, Inc. with one truck crane that she parked at the local gas station. Seventeen years later, she operates a multi-million dollar company employing over 70 men and women. That first crane has been "retired" and replaced with more than 100 pieces of equipment dispatched from our 27,000 square foot office and 7.5 acre yard in Bolingbrook,Illinois.

Creasy Claims First Ironman of 2008 at President's Cup

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:07:54 -0600

Claims 2008 points lead with 10th career national event victory MECHANICSVILLE, MD - Dale Creasy Jr. was in an unfamiliar place heading into the Torco President's Cup Nationals. Three races into the 2008 IHRA season Creasy, the two-time defending IHRA Nitro Funny Car World Champion, had not found his stride and was without a victory on the circuit. He was also looking up at someone in the points standings... a position he was not used to after dominating the field last season. Last year Creasy won two of the first three events on the IHRA schedule. He ended up winning six national events and wrapped the championship up after the eighth event on the 2007 schedule. This year he came to Maryland International Raceway with a pedestrian 2-2 won-loss record in 2008 elimination rounds and was 16 points behind Steven Macklyn in championship points standings.

Creasy Hopes Things are Steering in the Right Direction

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:56:26 -0600

Will look to put recent car handling problems behind him at President's Cup Nationals BEECHER, Ill. -- Dale Creasy Jr., the two-time defending IHRA Nitro Funny Car World Champion, is convinced he has things headed in the right direction. After a steering problem caused him to hit a cone and be disqualified in the first round at the Motor City Nationals, the Beecher, Ill. resident is looking forward to getting back on the track. "We had a little problem in Milan, but I think it was more the guy steering the car than the actual car hitting the cone," Creasy said. "We looked at a couple of things and made some changes. The car really responded and it's handling much better." Creasy will look to earn his first Ironman of the season at the Torco President's Cup Nationals, June 13-15 at Maryland International Raceway. After dominating IHRA's Nitro Funny Car class last season, winning six national events and rolling up a stellar 26-5 round record, the Creasy Family Motorsports team has struggled out of the gates in 2008. A final-round loss to Steven Macklyn in San Antonio was followed by a pair of first-round exits, one in Rockingham and the disqualification at Milan Dragway.

Dale Creasy on 105.3 LIVE

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:10:23 -0600

Check out Dale's radio interview and listen to some of the stories he tells. All true - OK mostly true. You can check out Racing Sports LIVE each Sunday at 10AM in Texas - or check out their website, Racing Sports LIVE, to listen to past interviews. Plus Creasy Family Motorsports team member Chris Graves is the co-host - all the more reason to check it out.

Creasy Snakebit in Milan

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:11:00 -0600

Timing cone ends defending Nitro Funny Car champion's weekend at IHRA Motor City Nationals MILAN, Mich. - Dale Creasy Jr. was in good position to move on to the semifinals and end young Dan Wilkerson's debut weekend at the IHRA Motor City Nationals. He was out in front in their first round match-up, with nothing but clean asphalt between him and the finish line. But the car pitched left, Creasy hit a cone and what was an easy round win ended up going to Wilkerson because of a disqualification. "Things like that happen in drag racing, no sense crying about it or dwelling on it," Creasy said. "We've already put it behind us as a team and are now focused on the Torco President's Cup Nationals in Maryland. We've had plenty of lucky rounds in our career... this time we just had one go the other way." Creasy was well ahead of Wilkerson, who was driving the current points-leading NHRA car of his father, Tim Wilkerson, when he clipped the cone. His 5.498 at a slowing 186.95 mph got him to the line was quicker than Wilkerson's 6.728 at 128.55. But Creasy made no excuses and gave credit to the young Wilkerson.

Creasy Jr. Ready for Big Push

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Mon, 19 May 2008 13:19:46 -0600

Despite not finding Winner's Circle at first two events, two-time defending NFC World Champion is right where he wants to be BEECHER, Ill - There are a lot of factors that go into winning an IHRA Nitro Funny Car world championship. You have to have a strong, consistent car, you need a reliable motor that does not consistently harm itself. You need a driver who doesn't make many mistakes, a crew to back him up and, most importantly, for the breaks to fall your way. Dale Creasy Jr., the Beecher, Ill. resident who won the last two IHRA Nitro Funny Car championships, felt he was able to win both world championships because, as he put is, "everything came together and fell into place." This season things have not worked out quite as well. Creasy, who won an astounding six Ironmen last season, has failed to find the Winner's Circle in 2008. He fell to current points leader Steven Macklyn in the final round at the season-opener in San Antonio. He followed that up by falling in the first round to eventual event champion Matt Hagan at the IHRA Spring Nationals in Rockingham.

VSI continues support of Creasy Family Motorsports

jim@squeakywheelonline.com — Mon, 12 May 2008 10:16:28 -0600

BEECHER, IL - Creasy Family Motorsports announced today that VSI has renewed their 13 year relationship with the Nitro Funny Car Team. Built over 60 years, and located in the Midwest, Vehicle Specialties, Incorporated is a friendly, family-owned Distributor of Wholesale High Performance Parts and Accessories to the Automotive, Truck, SUV, and Racing Industries. "VSI has been a sponsor of mine for years, even back when I was bracket racing," said Dale Creasy, Jr. owner and driver of Creasy Family Motorsports. "I would just like to thank Freddy, Jimmy and, Bubba for all they have done for me and my team over the many years." For more information on VSI please visit http://www.vsihp.com/ or call (800) 424 8741.