NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Wix Filters, a global manufacturer of filtration products, will grow its relationship with Kalitta Motorsports as they take the primary position on the Top Fuel dragster driven by former Top Fuel champion Shawn Langdon for the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway in Charlotte.

“It is very exciting to be involved in this program with Wix Filters,” said Shawn Langdon, driver of the Wix Filters Top Fuel dragster. “There is a lot of hype with this race being the Countdown opener and to represent Wix at their home track makes it even more special. I have been involved with Team Kalitta for a short time, but the whole Wix family has welcomed me with open arms. I am excited to have all of their employees, customers and guests at the track in Charlotte and I look forward to sharing their commitment to Kalitta Motorsports all weekend.”

Wix Filters, celebrating its 50th year in racing, will debut its primary paint scheme in front of hundreds of local employees on Wednesday, Sept. 13 in nearby Gastonia, N.C., with Langdon and J.R. Todd in attendance. Many employees will then make the short drive this weekend to root on Langdon and his Wix Filters team as they try to start the Countdown for the Championship strong in Charlotte.

“Shawn, J.R. and the rest of Team Kalitta have been tremendous partners this year,” said Jennifer Gibson, brand manager for Wix Filters. “We are passionate NHRA fans and being a part of a great team makes it that much better. Shawn’s paint scheme looks great and we hope to see it in the winner’s circle this weekend.”

Race teams have relied on the quality and performance of Wix Filters for 50 years, and in return the track provides exceptional R&D testing grounds for Wix engineers. Kalitta Motorsports and Wix Filters began their relationship earlier this season with U.S. Nationals Funny Car race winner Todd serving as lead driver. As the Official Filters of Team Kalitta, Alexis DeJoria, Richie Crampton and Doug Kalitta also carry the Wix Filters logos on their racecars, firesuits and Toyota Sienna tow vehicles.

“I think it is exciting not only for Wix Filters but Kalitta Motorsports to have Wix as the primary sponsor of Shawn Langdon’s car in Charlotte,” said Jim Oberhofer, Vice President of Operations, Kalitta Motorsports. “It is the first race of the Countdown, and there are so many other cool things happening at that race. Wix is such an important sponsor for Kalitta Motorsports; they really have taken this team to a new level with their involvement at the track. They have extreme passion for NHRA drag racing, their customers and for our team. I think it is a really neat partnership and beginning of many more great things we are going to see as part of our relationship.”

Global Electronic Technology will return to the primary role on Langdon’s machine in Reading, Pa., and retain the position for the remainder of the 2017 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season.