[coverattach=1]MADISON, Ill. (May 3, 2009) - Matco Tools/Lend America Pro Mod driver Joe Baker advanced to the semifinals in the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge at the O'Reilly NHRA Midwest Nationals after qualifying No.4 with and setting a personal best in eliminations.
In his first round of eliminations Sunday, he set a personal quickest ET in his defeat or PMC newcomer Kirk Wilmes, 5.947/241.93 to 6.370/232.31. Round two saw the Milton, Fla.-resident take out the current points leader Mike Castellana in an off-pace but one-sided race: 6.687/216.41 to 14.870/64.65.
The semifinals matched Baker with nitrous-powered Burton Auxier, and the tables were turned, this time with Baker suffering tire shake and shutting off as he watched Auxier drive away with the win, 6.009/236.30 to 14.057/74.90
"The track and the conditions stayed great all weekend, and we just underestimated how much it would hold in that last round," Baker said.
"Chuck [Ford, crew chief] and the team did an incredible job all weekend, and they deserve all the credit. Also, I want to thank Mike Ashley for such a great organization to work with - we have the best of the best, and I'm very grateful for the chance to be a part of all of this," Baker said.
Up next for the Mike Ashley Racing Pro Mod team is the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals May 15-17 in Bristol, Tenn.
In his first round of eliminations Sunday, he set a personal quickest ET in his defeat or PMC newcomer Kirk Wilmes, 5.947/241.93 to 6.370/232.31. Round two saw the Milton, Fla.-resident take out the current points leader Mike Castellana in an off-pace but one-sided race: 6.687/216.41 to 14.870/64.65.
The semifinals matched Baker with nitrous-powered Burton Auxier, and the tables were turned, this time with Baker suffering tire shake and shutting off as he watched Auxier drive away with the win, 6.009/236.30 to 14.057/74.90
"The track and the conditions stayed great all weekend, and we just underestimated how much it would hold in that last round," Baker said.
"Chuck [Ford, crew chief] and the team did an incredible job all weekend, and they deserve all the credit. Also, I want to thank Mike Ashley for such a great organization to work with - we have the best of the best, and I'm very grateful for the chance to be a part of all of this," Baker said.
Up next for the Mike Ashley Racing Pro Mod team is the Get Screened America Pro Mod Challenge at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals May 15-17 in Bristol, Tenn.
