"Not only is this the first year I've won, but this is the first year I've ever placed in any race," Creasy Jr. said. "Before this, I never won a race nor been in the top 10."

Creasy attributes his success to his new sponsor and having money behind his racing efforts.

He is married to wife, Laurie, and the couple has two pet dogs.

Before moving to Beecher, Creasy lived in Lansing for almost 20 years after relocating from Calumet City.

Not only does Creasy race in the IHRA, but he drives in the National Hot Rod Association Circuit.

He is employed by his sponsor, Torco Racing Fuels, of Decatur, Mich. The company is owned by Evan Knoll.

"My full-time job is working on cars," Creasy said. His Web site is www.dalecreasyjr.com.

"I build my own cars with my crew," he said.

Creasy has been racing with his dad since 1977 and became a licensed Nitro Funny Car driver. In 1981, he got involved in local brackets.

In 2003, he began a racing team with his brother Steve.

"My dad raced. I was exposed to racing from when I was a boy, and I just kept going," Creasy said.

While Nitro Funny Car is Creasy's passion, he also competes in Top Fuel Dragster racing.

The Nitro Funny Cars are the fastest accelerating vehicles in the world. They accelerate from zero to 100 mph quicker than a jet fighter plane lifting off an aircraft carrier, Creasy said.

From coast to coast, Creasy has raced all across America and at three circuits in Canada.

Creasy said he did not expect to win at the beginning of the 2006 season. However, as the championship drew closer, the excitement grew.

"You try not to key in on it. It takes you out of the game ... you race differently," Creasy said.

Creasy said he already is gearing up for next season, which begins in late January.

While traveling across the United States is tough, Creasy loves what he does.

"The best part is just going fast," he said.