McLeod Racing’s Paul Lee Acquires FTI Performance Converters

August 28, 2019 (ANAHEIM, CA) McLeod Racing’s President, Paul Lee, has acquired FTI Performance Converters. Through the acquisition, Lee will be working closely with FTI Performance founders, Greg & Phaedra Samuel. With the purchase and agreement of the established driveline company, Lee & Samuel plan to continue to dominate the aftermarket and racing industry with manual, torque converters, and automatic transmission drivetrain components. 

FTI Performance is no stranger to the fast-paced world of racing and aftermarket. Having started in 1992 by husband and wife duo, Greg and Phaedra, FTI flourished on its innovative designs and the ability to cater to each customer’s needs when it comes to their torque converters and transmissions. The company prides itself on its customer oriented technical support, which shares the same standards as McLeod Racing.

"Being that FTI is the leader in racing automatic and torque converter technology, it is fitting to align ourselves with McLeod, the leading performance clutch manufacturer,” says Greg Samuel. “I am excited to bring even better customer service than the unprecedented service we provide with more shipping locations to better serve our valued customers. Paul Lee of McLeod shares the same passion and love of racing and family values we do here at FTI and that makes an unbeatable team.” Greg will continue his role at FTI as Chief Technology Officer.

Paul Lee has always been inventive to find the next component to expand the McLeod Racing brand.

 “Greg, Phaedra, and the whole FTI Performance team have done an outstanding job providing sportsman and professional racers the highest quality and cutting-edge technology in racing transmissions and torque converters,” says Paul Lee. “With increased distribution, back office and inventory infrastructure provided by McLeod, we as a team plan to help FTI Performance continue its dominance in racing transmissions and converters. This is the next necessary step for both brands to continue to provide our customers with the best products as well as the best service.”

And, of course, it is no coincidence that both companies share an equal passion for the racing community. Paul Lee, driver of a NHRA Nitro Funny Car, and the Samuel family who have deep roots in drag racing, will share each’s enthusiasm to improve products and to have quick delivery to keep pace with the needs of drag racers.

As a celebration for the new acquisition and partnership, Paul Lee will have a FTI Performance and McLeod Racing adorned nitro funny car livery this weekend at the NHRA US Nationals in Indianapolis. Also JEGS Performance will be holding a “Dealer of the Race” for both companies during this weekend. From August 29 through September 4^th, customers will receive a 10% discount off both brands when purchased through JEGS.com.

“This is perfect timing to debut a new acquisition and partnership with the ability to showcase both brands in front of thousands of fans in the stands and the viewership of millions on this weekend’s FOX Sports broadcast,” says Lee. “With the help of our friends at JEGS Performance, we are able to celebrate with our customers.”

In true fashion to cater to the sportsman racers, Greg Samuel will be at the Indy race to visit with his loyal customers.

“It is important that we let our customers know what is happening with the company and how we will continue to support them,” says Samuel.

FTI Performance will continue to operate out of its Deland Florida-based operations and warehouses. All FTI contact information remains the same. Greg and the team can still be reached at 866-726-8358, and ftiperformance.com.

Lucas Oil Partners with Paul Lee Racing for the Lucas Oil Nationals

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Anaheim, CA (August 7, 2019) Paul Lee returns to the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd with Lucas Oil as a major partner. The Nitro Funny Car will have a special scheme to showcase the Lucas Oil Slick Mist Car Care line. Lee and the McLeod Racing team hope to continue their phenomenal performance on track for 2019.

As growing partners both on and off the track, Lucas Oil and Paul Lee are both anxious to showcase a new look for the Lucas Oil Nationals.

“I’m excited to return working with and representing the Lucas Oil family this year with the NHRA Funny Car team as well as our McLeod Racing business,” says Lee, owner of McLeod Racing. “This new partnership will promote increased sales of Lucas Oil products and allows crew chief Jim Oberhofer and our team to continue a near perfect start in my return to NHRA drag racing.”

Without a doubt, both McLeod Racing and Lucas Oil are industry giants in the performance aftermarket arena. McLeod is now a distributor of Lucas Oil products and will provide their products in conjunction with sales of transmissions and other driveline components.

“We are looking forward to a long working relationship as well as on track performance with Paul Lee and the entire team at McLeod,” says Tom Bogner, Lucas Oil Director of Motorsports. “Lucas Oil Products and McLeod Racing have many of the same goals including selling products. This year marks our 30^th celebration of business and our Lucas Oil brand is stronger than ever. As two great American companies, we will continue to grow in the American Muscle aftermarket."

Both partners are equally energized for this collaboration.

“All of us at Lucas Oil are eager to get to Brainerd for the launch of this partnership,” says Duane LaFleur, Lucas Oil Business Development for High Performance. “In the meetings with Paul, each party is optimistic about the future development for both NHRA drag racing and the aftermarket industry.”

The Jim Oberhofer-lead team is looking to build on their accomplishments thus far in 2019. With a 3^rdqualifying position and a second-round appearance in Norwalk, Lee looks to continue improving his racing program to become a competitive force in NHRA Funny Car.

Under the umbrella of the Straightline Strategy Group (SSG), this partnership represents the future of the SSG organization. “We are thrilled to represent Paul and now establish the program with Lucas Oil,” says SSG’s Scott Gardner. “This is exactly how we planned our team concept to work.”

“Driving this funny car has been one of the best experiences in my racing career thus far,” says Lee. “I have complete trust in my team and I am confident that we will continue to rack up the round wins on Sunday. This year continues to impress with the performance of the car as well as B2B opportunities with McLeod."

The Lucas Oil/McLeod Racing Funny Car will be on track at Brainerd International Raceway August 16-18. Be sure to follow along: @paul_lee116, @mcleod_racing, @lucasoilproducts.