Time Bandit Racing History

The car was purchased as a rolling, somewhat bent up chassis in the fall of 1977 by Jim Orban and Jeff Miller, after returning from the US Nationals. Work continued throughout the winter months and into the spring of 1978, installing a basic 396 cubic inch Chevrolet motor into the car. Anxious but not prepared, they fired the car, Orban, the motor head of the two, took the seat. Before we knew it, Orban stabbing the throttle a few times, ended up about 100 yards out across a ditch and into a wheat field, pretty much leading to the first step o rebuilding the car and Mr. Orban.

By mid 1978 we began racing at Quaker City Dragway, trying to get the car to actually make a pass. As the seasons past we became more experienced and by the '83 season, we won our first race, five years into our endeavor. That year we won another first place and runner-up, not to mention many round wins. By the years end we were on our way to Indy for the Bracket Finals, running respectable 9.50's. As we continued our race career we ventured out to other tracks, one being Norwalk Raceway Park. There we joined their points program in the IHRA comp class. At that time there was also another decision made, that was that Miller would become the full time driver and Orban would solely and as always be the crew chief and main mechanic.
This lead to a pretty consistent team until Miller decided to bow out to spend time with family, baseball, school outings, etc. Somehow, Orban managed to keep possession and updated the car with chassis work and a new set up, the injected alcohol motor. Thus the new title, Time Bandit was born!

In the next few years, approximately five or so, Orban campaigned the car with help from his wife and a few friends, winning several front engine contest at Keystone and other tracks. In late 1997 Miller and son showed up at Norwalk for the Halloween Classic to watch Orban and was impressed with what they saw! Orban then convinced Miller to make a pass in the approximately 1 second quicker machine, then running 8.70's. At this time, the present day team began to reform, attending events such as Indy (Goodguys), Columbus (Midwest Reunion), and several other nostalgia type races.

In Columbus, the old alcohol injected motor broke and we were pretty much done until Orban called in a favor from a friend. The next thing we knew, there was a blown alcohol motor between the frame rails of the Time Bandit, running a blistering rash of 7.30's WOW!!! It didn't take long before the boys started impressing Miller with a little NITRO in the mix. This transformation basically happened during the 1998 Indy Goodguys event. It found us qualified #6 Top Fuel! HOLY S---!!!

Running our first 6-second pass ever and our first 200+ mph. After we took out west coast Wild Bill Alexander in the first round, we found ourselves in the semifinals against, who else, but Sammy Hale who proceeded to kick our butts with no problem, what an uplifting thrill!! This pretty much set the mark for what the Time Bandit Racing Team would become. With return trips to Indy, but a more solid campaign to bring front engine Top Fuel to the Midwest, this led us to several other venues. Including: Super Chevy Shows, Pontiac Race, Night Under Fire ('02 & '03), Blue Suede Cruise, all at Norwalk Raceway Park. Other events include Quaker City Dragway (Family Day), as well as a trip to Toronto Motor Speedway, plus several others here and there.

Our crew has grown to a solid 20-25 members and all are dedicated to the same basic goals. We strive for crowd and fan interaction, professionalism and a chance to thrill both you and our fans!!! We are very children oriented, putting countless kids and adults actually in the car and sending them along with a keep sake photo. We look forward to fulfilling your interests, satisfying your needs and expectations as promoters and enthusiasts and bring AA/FD racing back to the forefront of every program. So if you see us at a track or outing, please stop by and say hello. Thank you in advance for your support.