• Home
  • News
  • History
  • The Crew
  • The Racecar
  • MediaGallery
    • 2007
      • Autism Speaks - Carolinas Walk
      • PRI - Trade Show
      • Team Aruba's Open House
    • 2008
    • 2009
    • 2010
      • ADRL Dragpalooza VI
      • MMPSA Rumble at the Rock
      • ADRL Georgia Drags VI
      • MMPSA Mountain Motor Nationals
      • ADRL U.S. Drags III
      • ADRL Summer Drags VI
      • ADRL Independence Drags IV
      • MMPSA Thunder Nationals
      • ADRL Gateway Drags III
      • ADRL Dragstock VII
      • ADRL Ohio Drags IV
      • MMPSA Shakedown at E'town
      • MMPSA Throwdown in T'town
      • ADRL World Finals VI
    • 2011
      • ADRL Dragpalooza VII
  • Schedule
  • Guestbook
  • Contact Us


TEAM ARUBA's roots come from The Brute Racing on the island paradise of Aruba.  The Brute Racing Organization was founded in 1986 while building their first racecar, called "The Brute", a 1979 FORD Fairmont, powered by a 460 cobra jet twin turbo motor.  During its debut, this racecar, driven by André Loonstra became the island's champion in the Super Gas Category. That same year The Brute participated in the Snowbird Nationals which was a 3-weekend event.

The next racecar built by the Brute Racing was a 1994 FORD Probe, called SUN EXPRESS.  This car broke all records (as well as its own track records) from mid 8 seconds to 7.40's.  The Brute Racing decided to opt for a brand new Tim McAmis FORD Probe, also called SUN EXPRESS. By this time, team member Adelbertus (Burt) Kelkboom purchased a Don Ness Oldsmobile Cutlass, called "MIDNIGHT RUN" and was the first racecar to officially break the 6-sec barrier, over 200 miles per hour, on the island of Aruba. Both these racecars were powered by engines built by Ted Fischer of ENGINE SYSTEMS, Inc. of Tucker, GA.

After years of practically running alone in Pro Stock on the island with its two racecars, The Brute decided to officially take the big step and compete in the Pro Stock category in the United States, under the name "TEAM ARUBA".  Both racecars were sold locally, in order to acquire 2 new racecars in the US: a Tim McAmis 2004 FORD Escort, which was powered by a Jon Kaase 814 CID Pro Stock mountain motor (driver: André Loonstra) and a 2002 Don Ness Chevrolet Cavalier, with Sonny Leonard power (driver: Burt Kelkboom).

 In 2004 TEAM ARUBA competed with these 2 racecars in the IHRA Pro Stock series for one year, at which time André made a personal decision to retire as driver of TEAM ARUBA. As the team stood a better chance with the FORD Escort, the Chevy Cavalier was sold and its driver Burt Kelkboom took over the driver's seat of the Ford Escort.

  In 2005 TEAM ARUBA chose NMRA Pro 5.0 as its venue.  TEAM ARUBA's achievements in 2005 and 2006 include 2 National championships and 2 second places.  These achievements are due to a dedicated all-Aruban team that travels to the US and back every time there is a race.  In addition to their quest to win the NMRA World Championship, TEAM ARUBA also dedicates itself to promoting the beautiful island of Aruba. By handing out information on Aruba at their palm-tree adorned pit area and also speaking personally to the fans about the island, the team is doing its part in the promotion of the island.  The design on the racecar and trailer depicts an actual site on the south coast of Aruba.

Now, TEAM ARUBA is campaigning a 2006 FORD Escort which was recently picked up at Rick Jones Race Cars. The former 2004 Ford Escort is now being driven by Trevor Eman, who is using a 632 Edelbrock Nitrous (by Steve Johnson) equipped FORD motor from Ted Fischer at Engine Systems Inc. of Tucker, GA.
 

TEAM ARUBA is still using Jon Kaase as their engine builder for the 2006 FORD Escort and is competing in several different sanctioning bodies, including Fun Ford Weekend and the IHRA Pro Stock Series.

Plans for 2010 include racing the complete ADRL Extreme Pro Stock season and the newly formed MMPSA (Mountain Motor Pro Stock Association) series.