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POMONA, CA, qualifying: Snap-on Tools Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert enjoyed a strong qualifying effort this weekend at the 2006 season-ending Auto Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Herbert, who is using the race in preparation for next season, made four solid runs to qualify for his 22nd race of the year.
After an impressive top-half qualifying effort in Las Vegas , Herbert entered the NHRA Finals in Pomona eager to build of the Snap-on team's momentum going into next season. New crew chief, Doug Kuch, is working on refining the tune-up along with longtime Herbert associate and friend, Jim Brissette.
Herbert made a good opening run during the first round of qualifying on Thursday afternoon. The 39-year-old veteran driver roared to a 4.614 at 302.82 mph, qualifying 14th and creating a solid base line tune up for the Snap-on team to work on. On his second qualifying run on Friday, Herbert improved dramatically, blasting to 4.535 at 318.24 mph with the third quickest run of the session, vaulting himself into the No. 5 position with two qualifying attempts remaining on Saturday.
The weather was cool and overcast for the final day of qualifying in Pomona . Herbert made another good run on his third attempt with a consistent 4.608 at 321.50 mph, slipping to the No. 9 spot with one qualifying effort remaining. After a few brief rain sprinkles delayed qualifying, Herbert final made his last attempt. "Dougzilla" made another great run with a 4.544 at 316.82 mph to qualify in the No. 10 position going into Sunday's eliminations, where he will face Rod Fuller in round one.
"The Snap-on Tools team has worked very hard to get our car to run quick and consistent and this weekend it's starting to pay off," said Herbert. "I would have liked to qualify a little better but we definitely have the potential to reach the winner's circle tomorrow and that would be a great way to end the year."
The Snap-on Tools Hospitality area was overflowing with Doug Herbert fans on Saturday. They included guests from Yokohama Tires, the U.S. Marines, Snap-on Tools, and also Ron and Lynn Bernheim, the winners of the Doug Herbert Performance VIP contest. They enjoyed an up close and personal look behind the scenes of a professional Top Fuel racing team as guests of Doug Herbert.
Herbert pleased with strong qualifying performance in Pomona
POMONA, CA, qualifying: Snap-on Tools Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert enjoyed a strong qualifying effort this weekend at the 2006 season-ending Auto Club of Southern California NHRA Finals. Herbert, who is using the race in preparation for next season, made four solid runs to qualify for his 22nd race of the year.
After an impressive top-half qualifying effort in Las Vegas , Herbert entered the NHRA Finals in Pomona eager to build of the Snap-on team's momentum going into next season. New crew chief, Doug Kuch, is working on refining the tune-up along with longtime Herbert associate and friend, Jim Brissette.
Herbert made a good opening run during the first round of qualifying on Thursday afternoon. The 39-year-old veteran driver roared to a 4.614 at 302.82 mph, qualifying 14th and creating a solid base line tune up for the Snap-on team to work on. On his second qualifying run on Friday, Herbert improved dramatically, blasting to 4.535 at 318.24 mph with the third quickest run of the session, vaulting himself into the No. 5 position with two qualifying attempts remaining on Saturday.
The weather was cool and overcast for the final day of qualifying in Pomona . Herbert made another good run on his third attempt with a consistent 4.608 at 321.50 mph, slipping to the No. 9 spot with one qualifying effort remaining. After a few brief rain sprinkles delayed qualifying, Herbert final made his last attempt. "Dougzilla" made another great run with a 4.544 at 316.82 mph to qualify in the No. 10 position going into Sunday's eliminations, where he will face Rod Fuller in round one.
"The Snap-on Tools team has worked very hard to get our car to run quick and consistent and this weekend it's starting to pay off," said Herbert. "I would have liked to qualify a little better but we definitely have the potential to reach the winner's circle tomorrow and that would be a great way to end the year."
The Snap-on Tools Hospitality area was overflowing with Doug Herbert fans on Saturday. They included guests from Yokohama Tires, the U.S. Marines, Snap-on Tools, and also Ron and Lynn Bernheim, the winners of the Doug Herbert Performance VIP contest. They enjoyed an up close and personal look behind the scenes of a professional Top Fuel racing team as guests of Doug Herbert.
