Showing posts with label don schumacher racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label don schumacher racing. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Massey Riding Wave of Momentum With Season-Opening Win at Pomona
Top Fuel driver Spencer Massey just celebrated his seventh
career victory at the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season-opener
in Southern California and will try to carry that positive energy directly to
race No. 2 on the circuit, the 28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, Feb. 17-19.
He was left with a bitter taste in his mouth the last time he visited the
Phoenix-area track.
His team’s performance at Firebird International Raceway
last October put a thorn in the side of the Top Fuel driver’s hopes of earning
his first NHRA Full Throttle world championship. Massey entered the fourth race
of the Countdown to the Championship as the points leader, but when his team
failed to qualify for eliminations at the playoff event, they lost the series lead
and eventually the championship.
“After the DNQ in Phoenix last year in the Countdown, it
kind of killed us for the championship,” Massey said. “But now, coming off this
win we have momentum. We have a racecar that can win Phoenix. It would be
awesome to go back-to-back, but now we have a big target on our back. We’re No.
1 in points and everyone is gunning for us but that’s what we want. I’d like to
have that bull’s-eye on my back all year long.”
In 2012, the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International
Raceway returns to a spot on the NHRA schedule in the regular season. Larry
Dixon (Top Fuel), Jack Beckman (Funny Car) and Vincent Nobile (Pro Stock) are
the defending winners of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event that
will be telecast on ESPN2 HD.
After losing the championship last year, FRAM/Prestone
dragster driver Massey spent a lot of time replaying his last trip to the Grand
Canyon State in his mind and thinking about how if things could have played out
differently he may have ended up the 2011 world champion. After a busy
offseason, the Top Fuel pilot has turned that disappointment into fuel for
success this year. His recent victory over teammate Antron Brown in the final
round of the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals at Pomona, Calif. was
Exhibit-A.
“After our finish last year, finishing in second place and
coming up just a little short, it makes you that much more hungry, that much
more motivated to win a championship,” Massey said. “We put that new racecar
together, we tested it, the car ran very well and it showed last weekend.
Leaving (Pomona) in the No. 1 spot heading to Phoenix is awesome.”
With his runner-up finish at Pomona, Brown sits second in
the points standings. Morgan Lucas, Tony Schumacher, Bob Vandergriff, Brandon
Bernstein, Shawn Langdon, Clay Millican, David Grubnic and Doug Kalitta round
out the top 10 in Top Fuel.
Funny Car legend and 15-time world champ John Force
collected the first win of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series when
he defeated his teammate Mike Neff in the final round of the season-opener.
Force’s youngest daughter Courtney earned her first round win at her debut
event, while fellow rookie Alexis DeJoria fell to eventual winner Force in the
opening round of competition.
Four-time Pro Stock world champ Greg Anderson collected the
71st win of his career at the NHRA Winternationals and leads the points heading
into Phoenix. Anderson outran fellow four-time world champ Jeg Coughlin Jr. in
the final round as well as teammate and reigning world champ Jason Line in the
semifinals.
* SCHEDULE: Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
qualifying sessions are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17 and 11:30
a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. Final eliminations will begin at 11 a.m.
on Sunday, Feb. 12.
* TICKETS: Tickets are available for the 28th annual
NHRA Arizona Nationals. For tickets, please call (602) 268-0200 or visit www.ticketforce.com.
* ON TV: ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours of
qualifying coverage at 8 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, Feb. 18. ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will
televise three-hours of eliminations coverage at 9 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Feb.
19.
* LUCAS OIL SERIES: The 28th annual NHRA Arizona
Nationals also will feature competition in five categories in the NHRA Lucas Oil
Series, where the future stars of the NHRA Full Throttle Series are born. Lucas
Oil Series qualifying begins at 8 a.m. on Feb. 17. Lucas Oil Series
eliminations begin at 8 a.m. on Feb. 18 and continue Feb. 19.
* ON THE WEB: Get live timing, scoring, multimedia
and the latest news updates from every NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series
event on the Internet at www.nhra.com. Visit
the official NHRA pages on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
* * *
NHRA ARIZONA
NATIONALS FACT SHEET
WHAT: 28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, the
second of 23 events in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Drivers in
three categories – Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock – earn points leading to
2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series world championships.
WHERE: Firebird International Raceway,
Chandler, Ariz. Track is located off Interstate 10 at exit 162. Follow the
signs.
WHEN: Friday through Sunday, Feb. 17-19
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, Feb. 17 - LUCAS OIL SERIES qualifying at 8 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
SATURDAY, Feb. 18 - LUCAS OIL SERIES eliminations at 8 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES qualifying at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
SUNDAY, Feb. 19 - Pre-race ceremonies, 10 a.m.
FULL THROTTLE SERIES eliminations begin at 11 a.m.
TELEVISION:
Saturday, Feb. 18, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise two hours
of qualifying highlights at 8 p.m. (ET).
Sunday, Feb. 19, ESPN2 and ESPN2HD will televise three hours
of coverage starting at 9 p.m. (ET).
2011 EVENT WINNERS: Larry Dixon, Top Fuel; Jack
Beckman, Funny Car; Vincent Nobile, Pro Stock
MOST VICTORIES: John Force, FC, 8; Bob Glidden,
PS, 5; Jack Beckman, FC, 3; Kenny Bernstein, TF-FC, 3; Larry Dixon, TF, 3; Tony
Schumacher, TF, 3; Cory McClenathan, TF, 3; Darrell Alderman, PS, 3; Kurt
Johnson, PS, 3; Warren Johnson, PS, 3.
TRACK RECORDS:
Top Fuel – 3.802 sec. by Larry Dixon Feb. ’09; 317.57 mph by
Dixon, Feb. ’10.
Funny Car – 4.023 sec. by Ron Capps, Feb. ’09; 311.34 mph by
Matt Hagan, Feb. ’10.
Pro Stock – 6.598 sec. by Mike Edwards, Feb. ’09; 209.82 mph
by Edwards, Feb. ’10.
NATIONAL RECORDS:
Top Fuel - 3.735 sec. by Del Worsham, Oct. ’11, Reading,
Pa.; 328.62 mph by Spencer Massey, Feb. ’12, Pomona, Calif.
Funny Car - 3.995 sec. by Matt Hagan, Sept. ’11, Charlotte,
N.C.; 318.99 mph by Jack Beckman, Sept. ’11, Charlotte, N.C.
Pro Stock - 6.477 sec. by Jason Line, Oct. ’11, Reading,
Pa.; 213.57 mph by Erica Enders, March ’11, Gainesville, Fla.
TICKETS: For tickets call Firebird
International Raceway, (602) 268-0200. Tickets also are available at
ticketforce.com.
GENERAL ADMISSION (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $33;
Junior (6-12 years), $15; Saturday: Adult, $46; Junior (6-12 years), $15;
Sunday: Adult, $48; Junior (6-12 years), $15. Kids 5 years and under are
admitted free to general admission areas with paying adult.
RESERVED SEATS (includes pit pass) - Friday: Adult, $43-55;
Junior (6-12 years), $25; Child (5 years and under), $20; Saturday: Adult,
$56-80; Junior (6-12 years), $25; Child (5 years and under), $20; Sunday:
Adult, $58-85; Junior (6-12 years), $27; Child (5 years and under), $22.
* * *
2012 NHRA FULL
THROTTLE DRAG RACING SERIES STANDINGS
GLENDORA, Calif. -- Point standings (top 10) for NHRA
professional categories following the first of 23 events in the NHRA Full
Throttle Drag Racing Series -
Top Fuel: 1. Spencer Massey, 119;
2. Antron Brown, 95; 3. Morgan Lucas, 87; 4. Tony Schumacher,
78; 5. Bob Vandergriff, 57; 6. (tie) Brandon Bernstein, 54; Shawn
Langdon, 54; 8. Clay Millican, 52; 9. Khalid alBalooshi, 34; 10.
(tie) David Grubnic, 32; Doug Kalitta, 32; Steve Torrence, 32; Steve Faria, 32.
Funny Car: 1. John Force, 114; 2.
Mike Neff, 95; 3. (tie) Ron Capps, 73; Gary Densham, 73; 5. Jack
Beckman, 62; 6. Courtney Force, 52; 7. (tie) Todd Lesenko, 51; Tim
Wilkerson, 51; 9. Robert Hight, 41; 10. Bob Tasca III, 39.
Pro Stock: 1. Greg Anderson, 114;
2. Jeg Coughlin, 91; 3. Jason Line, 82; 4. Mike Edwards, 81;
5. Allen Johnson, 59; 6. Vincent Nobile, 55; 7. (tie) Rodger
Brogdon, 53; Shane Gray, 53; 9. Ronnie Humphrey, 41; 10. (tie) Kurt
Johnson, 32; Ron Krisher, 32; Larry Morgan, 32; Greg Stanfield, 32; Erica
Enders, 32.
Massey rides record win with Prestone/FRAM dragster and plans to continue run to Top Fuel championship
Spencer Massey circled the date for his return to Firebird International Raceway the day he left the track near Phoenix last fall.
It was Oct. 14 and one of the most disappointing in the 29-year-old Top Fuel racer's young career at Don Schumacher Racing.
That was Saturday, and instead of getting ready for the following day's championship rounds, Spencer and his Prestone/FRAM team were packing up after failing to qualify for the 20th of 22 events of the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
Led by crew chiefs Phil Shuler and Todd Okuhara, the team rallied to a runner-up finish in the next race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, keeping the team's hope of a world championship alive. At the NHRA Finals two weeks later the dream ended when the team lost in the semifinals round to eventual champion Del Worsham.
"After our finish last year - coming in second place, coming up just a little short - it makes you that much more hungry, that much more motivated, to want to win a championship," Massey said. "We've always wanted to win; I've always wanted to win. This winter we all sat around and focused, acted like it was not an off-season.
"We put that new race car together. We went out and tested. The car ran very well. We came here and it shows. It shows that these guys know what it takes to get a car down the racetrack," he said.
Massey and his focused Prestone/FRAM team vented last year's frustration at the next opportunity and started 2012 in a dominating fashion last weekend at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., when it set the NHRA speed record (328.62 mph) and recorded the second quickest run (3.745 seconds) ever to win the NHRA Winternationals. It was Massey's seventh NHRA pro title.
The Prestone/FRAM team qualified second then recorded consistent times of 3.782, 3.776, 3.745 and 3.750 seconds during Sunday's elimination rounds. Massey needed the record run to get past DSR teammate Tony Schumacher in the semifinals and needed another stout run against teammate Antron Brown in the final.
"It's awesome to start like this and have the No. 1 spot going into Phoenix. This is my life dream, and we're living it," Massey said.
"Coming off this win, we have the momentum. It'd be awesome to go back to back. We have a target on our backs. I'd love to have the bulls-eye on my back all year long," he said.
The stellar effort in the semifinals was a testament to the experience of Okuhara and Shuler.
"It shows that they know what it takes to get the car down the racetrack," Massey said. "After the second round, we didn't have any computer data, and Phil and Todd tuned that thing like it was a Top Fuel car in 1968. They looked at the plugs, looked at the bearings, and it went 3.74 at 328 mph.
"They're very smart and knowledgeable, and it shows."
It also helped that it took Schumacher a little longer to get ready at the starting line.
Massey explained, "We sat up there a little bit longer in the staging beams, waiting for Tony to turn on the pre-stage light. We sat there, burning about two gallons more (of nitromethane). That's about 18 pounds less on the front end where the fuel tank is. I knew I was going to be light on the front end, and I knew it was going to run a little bit better."
And the FRAM/Prestone dragster certainly did.
It also wasn't carrying the bitter memories of the team's last visit to Phoenix.
It was Oct. 14 and one of the most disappointing in the 29-year-old Top Fuel racer's young career at Don Schumacher Racing.
That was Saturday, and instead of getting ready for the following day's championship rounds, Spencer and his Prestone/FRAM team were packing up after failing to qualify for the 20th of 22 events of the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.
Led by crew chiefs Phil Shuler and Todd Okuhara, the team rallied to a runner-up finish in the next race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, keeping the team's hope of a world championship alive. At the NHRA Finals two weeks later the dream ended when the team lost in the semifinals round to eventual champion Del Worsham.
"After our finish last year - coming in second place, coming up just a little short - it makes you that much more hungry, that much more motivated, to want to win a championship," Massey said. "We've always wanted to win; I've always wanted to win. This winter we all sat around and focused, acted like it was not an off-season.
"We put that new race car together. We went out and tested. The car ran very well. We came here and it shows. It shows that these guys know what it takes to get a car down the racetrack," he said.
Massey and his focused Prestone/FRAM team vented last year's frustration at the next opportunity and started 2012 in a dominating fashion last weekend at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif., when it set the NHRA speed record (328.62 mph) and recorded the second quickest run (3.745 seconds) ever to win the NHRA Winternationals. It was Massey's seventh NHRA pro title.
The Prestone/FRAM team qualified second then recorded consistent times of 3.782, 3.776, 3.745 and 3.750 seconds during Sunday's elimination rounds. Massey needed the record run to get past DSR teammate Tony Schumacher in the semifinals and needed another stout run against teammate Antron Brown in the final.
"It's awesome to start like this and have the No. 1 spot going into Phoenix. This is my life dream, and we're living it," Massey said.
"Coming off this win, we have the momentum. It'd be awesome to go back to back. We have a target on our backs. I'd love to have the bulls-eye on my back all year long," he said.
The stellar effort in the semifinals was a testament to the experience of Okuhara and Shuler.
"It shows that they know what it takes to get the car down the racetrack," Massey said. "After the second round, we didn't have any computer data, and Phil and Todd tuned that thing like it was a Top Fuel car in 1968. They looked at the plugs, looked at the bearings, and it went 3.74 at 328 mph.
"They're very smart and knowledgeable, and it shows."
It also helped that it took Schumacher a little longer to get ready at the starting line.
Massey explained, "We sat up there a little bit longer in the staging beams, waiting for Tony to turn on the pre-stage light. We sat there, burning about two gallons more (of nitromethane). That's about 18 pounds less on the front end where the fuel tank is. I knew I was going to be light on the front end, and I knew it was going to run a little bit better."
And the FRAM/Prestone dragster certainly did.
It also wasn't carrying the bitter memories of the team's last visit to Phoenix.
Brown, Matco Tools team hungry for another shot at an NHRA Drag Racing Series Winner's Circle
Antron Brown is fueled for another race coming off a championship round appearance at the opening event of the 2012 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season.
"During the off season, I tried to relax and reset, get focused on this season," said Brown, "but I guess I didn't notice until getting back in this Matco Tools dragster how hungry I am to win.
"It's not just me that's hungry, either. All of these guys and my crew chiefs Brian (Corradi) and Mark (Oswald) want it too. We were so close in Pomona that we could taste it, but we want more."
In the championship run, Brown lost to Don Schumacher Racing teammate Spencer Massey who had previously set the NHRA speed record and ran the second quickest lap in history.
Brown noted that the season opening event proved that the competition in the Top Fuel class this year will be tough.
"There are a lot of cars capable of being good this year," Brown said. "It's going to be tough out here this year, there's no doubt about that. Last weekend proved that."
"It's like a horse race. You've got the ones that get out of the gate real quick but then you've got the thoroughbreds that come up and sneak around everyone. That's what it could be like out here."
He's spending this week with DSR teammate Matt Hagan, NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip and Mark Martin, along with Aaron's, Inc. partners in Arizona.
"It's fun to be out here, just hanging out, having some fun in the desert," Brown said. "The folks at Aaron's have arranged some good stuff out here for us and it's always good to meet their partners and get to know them."
Brown has had previous success at Firebird International Raceway, including a runner-up just a few months ago in the 2011 event. He won the title there in 2009.
"We've had a good car there in the past," Brown said. "So hopefully that carries on. It would be good to get these Matco boys in the Winner's Circle early in the season and get that momentum going."
"During the off season, I tried to relax and reset, get focused on this season," said Brown, "but I guess I didn't notice until getting back in this Matco Tools dragster how hungry I am to win.
"It's not just me that's hungry, either. All of these guys and my crew chiefs Brian (Corradi) and Mark (Oswald) want it too. We were so close in Pomona that we could taste it, but we want more."
In the championship run, Brown lost to Don Schumacher Racing teammate Spencer Massey who had previously set the NHRA speed record and ran the second quickest lap in history.
Brown noted that the season opening event proved that the competition in the Top Fuel class this year will be tough.
"There are a lot of cars capable of being good this year," Brown said. "It's going to be tough out here this year, there's no doubt about that. Last weekend proved that."
"It's like a horse race. You've got the ones that get out of the gate real quick but then you've got the thoroughbreds that come up and sneak around everyone. That's what it could be like out here."
He's spending this week with DSR teammate Matt Hagan, NASCAR drivers Michael Waltrip and Mark Martin, along with Aaron's, Inc. partners in Arizona.
"It's fun to be out here, just hanging out, having some fun in the desert," Brown said. "The folks at Aaron's have arranged some good stuff out here for us and it's always good to meet their partners and get to know them."
Brown has had previous success at Firebird International Raceway, including a runner-up just a few months ago in the 2011 event. He won the title there in 2009.
"We've had a good car there in the past," Brown said. "So hopefully that carries on. It would be good to get these Matco boys in the Winner's Circle early in the season and get that momentum going."
Beckman uses 'big bang' theory to charge up Schumacher team to go for Phoenix '3-peat'
Jack Beckman weathered a wild ride Sunday at the NHRA Winternationals in Southern California when his Valvoline NextGen Dodger Charger R/T Funny car abruptly veered into the next lane at close to 300 mph.
After that nerve-racking run, it would seem he and his team could have used some quiet time on Monday before they head to Phoenix for this weekend's NHRA Arizona Nationals.
With the Valvoline NextGen crew spending the day in Beckman's haunts near his home in Norco, Calif., the popular driver played host and decided a fun way to forget about the high-speed close call would be, of course, to head to an explosion.
"It was really cool," he said of the planned detonation at a rock quarry. "And it was free."
But what was priceless for Beckman was hanging out with his crew that is based in Brownsburg, Ind. It was a rare chance for them to just be buddies - and enjoy a controlled explosion - without racing to get the Funny Car ready for the next run or to race it down the track.
"It was nice because we were away from the racetrack and didn't have to think about racing," he said. "We were just some guys joking around and watching an explosion."
Beckman and his team will drive to Phoenix on Tuesday to begin preparing for the three-day event that begins with two qualifying sessions on Friday and another two Saturday to determine the field for Sunday's championship eliminations.
Beckman has never been to a dragstrip he didn't like, but the one at Firebird International Raceway certainly is one he loves.
The Valvoline NextGen team has won the last two NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events there even though they were held at different times of the year.
Last year, Beckman won for the 12th time in his pro career when the race was held in mid-October. The year before and in 2008, he won when the NHRA event was held in late February.
"Yeah, I guess you could say I like racing in Phoenix," he said of where he has won one-fourth of his NHRA titles.
While Beckman's Don Schumacher Racing team will be the same, the Dodge Charger R/T carbon fiber body will be featuring sponsorship from Schumacher Electric, a worldwide company owned by Don Schumacher.
"Nah, there's no pressure driving a car sponsored by the man who owns that company and the one you race for," Beckman joked. "But seriously, it really will be an honor to get inside the Schumacher Electric car."
Beckman and crew chief Rahn Tobler still aren't certain what caused their Funny Car to make an abrupt right turn in front of veteran Gary Densham in Sunday's second round of eliminations. Beckman was disqualified for crossing the center line, but fortunately he was well ahead of Densham, who crossed the finish line on Beckman's bumper.
Beckman's crew, instead of loading up their car, headed for Denham's pit area to help repair some frontend damage incurred when Beckman crossed in front of him.
"I asked Gary if there was anything I could do to help and said to stay as far away as possible from him," Beckman joked about his longtime friend.
"The only thing we can figure is that some fluid got on one of the rear tires," Beckman said. "No human could have turned the steering wheel so quickly to make that move."
No human, not even the explosive "Fast Jack" Beckman, has reflexes that good.
After that nerve-racking run, it would seem he and his team could have used some quiet time on Monday before they head to Phoenix for this weekend's NHRA Arizona Nationals.
With the Valvoline NextGen crew spending the day in Beckman's haunts near his home in Norco, Calif., the popular driver played host and decided a fun way to forget about the high-speed close call would be, of course, to head to an explosion.
"It was really cool," he said of the planned detonation at a rock quarry. "And it was free."
But what was priceless for Beckman was hanging out with his crew that is based in Brownsburg, Ind. It was a rare chance for them to just be buddies - and enjoy a controlled explosion - without racing to get the Funny Car ready for the next run or to race it down the track.
"It was nice because we were away from the racetrack and didn't have to think about racing," he said. "We were just some guys joking around and watching an explosion."
Beckman and his team will drive to Phoenix on Tuesday to begin preparing for the three-day event that begins with two qualifying sessions on Friday and another two Saturday to determine the field for Sunday's championship eliminations.
Beckman has never been to a dragstrip he didn't like, but the one at Firebird International Raceway certainly is one he loves.
The Valvoline NextGen team has won the last two NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series events there even though they were held at different times of the year.
Last year, Beckman won for the 12th time in his pro career when the race was held in mid-October. The year before and in 2008, he won when the NHRA event was held in late February.
"Yeah, I guess you could say I like racing in Phoenix," he said of where he has won one-fourth of his NHRA titles.
While Beckman's Don Schumacher Racing team will be the same, the Dodge Charger R/T carbon fiber body will be featuring sponsorship from Schumacher Electric, a worldwide company owned by Don Schumacher.
"Nah, there's no pressure driving a car sponsored by the man who owns that company and the one you race for," Beckman joked. "But seriously, it really will be an honor to get inside the Schumacher Electric car."
Beckman and crew chief Rahn Tobler still aren't certain what caused their Funny Car to make an abrupt right turn in front of veteran Gary Densham in Sunday's second round of eliminations. Beckman was disqualified for crossing the center line, but fortunately he was well ahead of Densham, who crossed the finish line on Beckman's bumper.
Beckman's crew, instead of loading up their car, headed for Denham's pit area to help repair some frontend damage incurred when Beckman crossed in front of him.
"I asked Gary if there was anything I could do to help and said to stay as far away as possible from him," Beckman joked about his longtime friend.
"The only thing we can figure is that some fluid got on one of the rear tires," Beckman said. "No human could have turned the steering wheel so quickly to make that move."
No human, not even the explosive "Fast Jack" Beckman, has reflexes that good.
Feverish Capps feels good when thinking how well his NAPA Auto Parts Funny Car will run at Phoenix
Everyone knows how miserable it feels to have a 102-degree fever.
You're hot. You're cold. And sore all over.
Most would call in sick to work and stay under blankets.
But Ron Capps can't take a few sick days away from his office.
The veteran driver of the NAPA AUTO PARTS Funny Car woke up sick with a high fever Sunday morning. He not only showed up for work but advanced to the semifinals round of the NHRA Winternationals on a cold, dreary day at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Calif.
"Fever this morning and feel like I was run over by a Freightliner truck," Capps posted Tuesday on his Twitter.com account (@NapaRonCapps).
He promises to be with his Don Schumacher Racing team when it arrives in Phoenix for the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.
Capps, who won the Phoenix title in 2009 and was runner-up there in 2005, was pleased with how crew chief "General" Tim Richards had his NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T running at Pomona.
"It's encouraging going into Phoenix," he said of the car's performance before leaving Pomona on Sunday.
"The best part about having a guy like the General is when we get conditions that are warm and marginal track conditions that aren't like they were here at Pomona you have to have the experience and be a savvy crew chief to be able to back the car down and he has that.
"The best part is looking around at the crew guys. We just lost, but they are encouraged. They are excited and can't wait to go to the next race. That means a lot."
You're hot. You're cold. And sore all over.
Most would call in sick to work and stay under blankets.
But Ron Capps can't take a few sick days away from his office.
The veteran driver of the NAPA AUTO PARTS Funny Car woke up sick with a high fever Sunday morning. He not only showed up for work but advanced to the semifinals round of the NHRA Winternationals on a cold, dreary day at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Calif.
"Fever this morning and feel like I was run over by a Freightliner truck," Capps posted Tuesday on his Twitter.com account (@NapaRonCapps).
He promises to be with his Don Schumacher Racing team when it arrives in Phoenix for the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway.
Capps, who won the Phoenix title in 2009 and was runner-up there in 2005, was pleased with how crew chief "General" Tim Richards had his NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger R/T running at Pomona.
"It's encouraging going into Phoenix," he said of the car's performance before leaving Pomona on Sunday.
"The best part about having a guy like the General is when we get conditions that are warm and marginal track conditions that aren't like they were here at Pomona you have to have the experience and be a savvy crew chief to be able to back the car down and he has that.
"The best part is looking around at the crew guys. We just lost, but they are encouraged. They are excited and can't wait to go to the next race. That means a lot."
Gray focuses on next task of the 2012 NHRA season
Johnny Gray doesn't look in the rearview mirror of his 8,000-horsepower Funny Car because there isn't one. But rearview mirror or not, Gray doesn't look back. Once something is done, it's always on to the next task.
That next task is having a successful outing at the NHRA Arizona Nationals with his Big O Tires/Service Central Racing Dodge Charger R/T at Firebird International Raceway.
"You know that wasn't the race we thought we were going to have at Pomona," said Gray, who lost in the first round at last weekend's NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. "But that's okay, because that's over and done and now we go to Phoenix. I don't dwell on something I can't control, especially. We had a parts failure. That's something Rob (Wendland, crew chief) can't control either.
"As soon as race one was over, Rob already had his plans for the next time and said they would do better looking for the little things that can make a racecar do the opposite of what you planned on doing.
"We had such a strong car towards the end of last season and that strength is still there, we just have to have all of our parts and pieces working to show that."
Gray qualified third and was the runner-up in the 2011 event at Firebird near Phoenix in October to Don Schumacher Racing teammate Jack Beckman.
"We just really want to be consistent this year," said Gray. "It feels like we were just at Phoenix, which is fine because we had a really good car in Phoenix.
"I know that when my guys unload that car this week, it'll be good there once again. Hopefully we do one better this time though."
The NHRA Winternationals event is in the rearview mirror and Gray is looking forward, focused on the Arizona Nationals and getting his Big O Tires/Service Central Funny Car back to the final round.
That next task is having a successful outing at the NHRA Arizona Nationals with his Big O Tires/Service Central Racing Dodge Charger R/T at Firebird International Raceway.
"You know that wasn't the race we thought we were going to have at Pomona," said Gray, who lost in the first round at last weekend's NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif. "But that's okay, because that's over and done and now we go to Phoenix. I don't dwell on something I can't control, especially. We had a parts failure. That's something Rob (Wendland, crew chief) can't control either.
"As soon as race one was over, Rob already had his plans for the next time and said they would do better looking for the little things that can make a racecar do the opposite of what you planned on doing.
"We had such a strong car towards the end of last season and that strength is still there, we just have to have all of our parts and pieces working to show that."
Gray qualified third and was the runner-up in the 2011 event at Firebird near Phoenix in October to Don Schumacher Racing teammate Jack Beckman.
"We just really want to be consistent this year," said Gray. "It feels like we were just at Phoenix, which is fine because we had a really good car in Phoenix.
"I know that when my guys unload that car this week, it'll be good there once again. Hopefully we do one better this time though."
The NHRA Winternationals event is in the rearview mirror and Gray is looking forward, focused on the Arizona Nationals and getting his Big O Tires/Service Central Funny Car back to the final round.
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