Driver and team owner, Paul Lee, extends a warm welcome to his long-standing partner, TMS Titanium, who will take on the role of the primary sponsor for his nitro funny car entry at the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals. The partnership between TMS Titanium and Paul Lee has endured for many years, both on and off the racetrack. With a striking vehicle wrap showcasing the TMS Titanium branding, Paul eagerly anticipates hosting numerous TMS Titanium guests at his pit throughout the upcoming weekend. As they approach the final four races of the NHRA season, Lee and his team remain committed to achieving rapid and consistent performance on the track.
TMS Titanium, a leading supplier and stocking distributor of titanium mill products, not only collaborates with Paul’s racing team by providing titanium components for race car parts but also serves as a titanium supplier for McLeod Racing, a premier company specializing in aftermarket driveline performance and racing products. Todd Harrison, the CEO and President of TMS Titanium, and his team supply the essential titanium inner liners required for McLeod Racing’s SFI aluminum bellhousing, used in both street and racing performance vehicles.
Paul Lee, owner and driver of McLeod Racing, attests to the exceptional quality of TMS Titanium products: “TMS Titanium products are of the highest quality. When we initially designed our SFI spun-aluminum performance bellhousing, we needed a reliable supplier for the titanium inner liners to ensure safety in the event of a clutch failure. Todd was our first and only choice because we had confidence in their ability to excel in both customer service and timely deliveries. They have consistently proven to be a valuable vendor for McLeod Racing.”
Before the commencement of the 2023 season, Lee made the decision to upgrade his nitro funny car’s clutch setup from a five-disc to a six-disc configuration. With the assistance of Todd Harrison and the TMS team, all the necessary titanium materials were promptly provided to facilitate this off-season transition.
Lee emphasizes the significance of titanium in today’s top fuel and nitro funny cars: “The clutch units in today’s top fuel and nitro funny cars are entirely machined from high-strength 6AL4V titanium. It’s actually an NHRA requirement, and a wise one at that. Titanium offers strength, heat resistance, and the ability to return to its original form when subjected to extreme heat. Most importantly, it is the safest material to withstand the high stresses of top fuel drag racing.”
Todd Harrison is no stranger to NHRA drag racing, having established himself as the “go-to supplier” of titanium for the racing industry. TMS Titanium, which started in Harrison’s garage in 2006, has earned both ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100C quality assurance certifications. With this foundation, TMS expanded its material supply to various renowned national aviation, space, and defense organizations. However, Harrison’s passion for racing led to the growth of his own racing program.
Todd Harrison, TMS Titanium CEO/President, expresses his excitement about this significant partnership: “This is a momentous occasion for TMS Titanium. Our business thrives on building relationships, and collaborating with Paul Lee and Steve Cole is truly exceptional. While we have supported teams across a wide spectrum of motorsport platforms, this marks a significant milestone for our company. Knowing that this Funny Car will be racing at the Betway NHRA Nationals during the Countdown brings immense joy to everyone at TMS Titanium. We are genuinely enthusiastic about this program.”
With only four races remaining on Paul Lee’s schedule, this event serves as a pivotal opportunity to conclude the year with a competitive performance in his funny car. Guided by the expertise of John Medlen and Jason Bunker, Lee is well-prepared to wrap up the season with consistently fast runs, providing valuable insights for the upcoming off-season.
Qualifying for the Betway NHRA Carolina Nationals will commence with a nighttime session on Friday, followed by two additional qualifying attempts on Saturday, leading to eliminations on Sunday.