Kalitta Motorsports has announced a partnership with the Jimi Hendrix Foundation for the remainder of the 2015 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season. The Jimi Hendrix Foundation will be the primary partner on J.R. Todd’s Top Fuel entry in the first three events of the Countdown to the Championship. The paint scheme will be unveiled on September 18th, the 45th anniversary of the passing of the legendary musician, in front of the zMAX Dragway tower.

“What an awesome way to start our chase at the title,” said Todd. “Hendrix was an amazing musician, and I am excited to be able to represent this foundation and educate people on the Music For Life program.”

“The Jimi Hendrix Foundation is very pleased and excited to be working with a true pioneer of racing, Connie Kalitta. An association with Kalitta Motorsports is an honor and privilege that will take the Jimi Hendrix Foundation to new heights of visibility, launching its new visions and programs to help young adults, musicians, and veterans,” said Joe Rosignolo, CEO/president, Jimi Hendrix Foundation. “We greatly appreciate the support of all those on the Kalitta team. J.R. Todd piloting the Jimi Hendrix Foundation Top Fuel dragster is the winning combination that will give ‘Racers and Rockers’ something to talk about.”

Visit the official NHRA website for further details.

Tracy Renck of CompetitionPlus.com spoke to Top Fuel driver J.R. Todd about his dragster that will don a Jimi Hendrix paint scheme as Kalitta Motorsports has partnered with the Jimi Hendrix Foundation for three races in the Countdown to the Championship.

“I have been a fan of Jimi Hendrix since I was in middle school and I had to learn about that era of music, and I’ve liked his music ever since,” Todd said. “When I heard we were running this themed (dragster) for three events I was pumped about it. I think this will get some people’s attention and maybe it will draw some new companies to our sport and at the same time bring in some new fans to our sport.”

“He is at the top of the list as far as guitarists,” Todd said. “The Jimi Hendrix Foundation wants to bring awareness to the 45th year since his passing. They also want to educate people on the Music For Life program.

My favorite Hendrix song would probably have to be 'Voodoo Child'. I have quite a few Hendrix songs on my iPod. There’s been mention of them playing Hendrix’s (version of the) Star-Spangled Banner, and I don’t know if it is going to happen. It would be way cool if they did that. I might (have a surprise) for what I wear in driver intros.”

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