[coverattach=1]ENGLISHTOWN, N.J. (June 13, 2010) - With high humidity adding to high
temperatures today at the 41st annual NHRA SuperNationals, FRAM Top Fuel
dragster driver Cory McClenathan was unable to back up for a national record
the 3.752-second run he posted on Friday night during qualifying.
As No. 1 qualifier in a field of 15 cars, McClenathan earned a bye run in
the opening round of Top Fuel eliminations at Old Bridge Township Raceway
Park, posting a tire-smoking 5.490/120.46 pass.
In the quarterfinal round against Doug Kalitta, a problem in the burnout
phase resulted in a short burnout, which then caused the tires to strike at
the hit of the throttle as McClenathan launched at the starting lights.
Kalitta took the win with a 3.902/306.81 while McClenathan coasted to a
9.680/81.07.
"Evidently the tires got dry or, for whatever reason, it stuck the tires in
the burnout, overheated the clutch and smoked the tires," explained co-crew
chief Phil Shuler. "It was a tough loss for the FRAM team, and we were
unable to go for the national record if and when the weather might have
cooperated today. But the FRAM team continues to work hard to stay up front
in the points and get ready for the Countdown after the next six races."
Said McClenathan, "Of course, it was a disappointing day today for the FRAM
team. We were hoping to go for the national record (for 20 bonus points),
but the weather today was just too hot and humid. As always, we'll check
everything out and get ready for the third of four straight races in
Bristol, Tenn., next weekend."
McClenathan remains third in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top
Fuel point standings.
Next up is the 10th annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway,
June 18-20.
As of 3:45 p.m., the final rounds of all pro classes are halted because of
rain. Following are the points, as they stand before the final. The number
in parentheses is the number of points if that driver wins.
UNOFFICIAL TOP FUEL POINT STANDINGS, after 11 of 23 events:
1. Larry Dixon, 1072 (1092)
2. Tony Schumacher, 893
3. Cory McClenathan, 873
4. Doug Kalitta, 838
5. Antron Brown, 742 (762)
6. Brandon Bernstein, 681
7. Morgan Lucas, 524
8. Shawn Langdon, 516
9. Steve Torrence, 444
10. Terry McMillen, 411
temperatures today at the 41st annual NHRA SuperNationals, FRAM Top Fuel
dragster driver Cory McClenathan was unable to back up for a national record
the 3.752-second run he posted on Friday night during qualifying.
As No. 1 qualifier in a field of 15 cars, McClenathan earned a bye run in
the opening round of Top Fuel eliminations at Old Bridge Township Raceway
Park, posting a tire-smoking 5.490/120.46 pass.
In the quarterfinal round against Doug Kalitta, a problem in the burnout
phase resulted in a short burnout, which then caused the tires to strike at
the hit of the throttle as McClenathan launched at the starting lights.
Kalitta took the win with a 3.902/306.81 while McClenathan coasted to a
9.680/81.07.
"Evidently the tires got dry or, for whatever reason, it stuck the tires in
the burnout, overheated the clutch and smoked the tires," explained co-crew
chief Phil Shuler. "It was a tough loss for the FRAM team, and we were
unable to go for the national record if and when the weather might have
cooperated today. But the FRAM team continues to work hard to stay up front
in the points and get ready for the Countdown after the next six races."
Said McClenathan, "Of course, it was a disappointing day today for the FRAM
team. We were hoping to go for the national record (for 20 bonus points),
but the weather today was just too hot and humid. As always, we'll check
everything out and get ready for the third of four straight races in
Bristol, Tenn., next weekend."
McClenathan remains third in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Top
Fuel point standings.
Next up is the 10th annual NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway,
June 18-20.
As of 3:45 p.m., the final rounds of all pro classes are halted because of
rain. Following are the points, as they stand before the final. The number
in parentheses is the number of points if that driver wins.
UNOFFICIAL TOP FUEL POINT STANDINGS, after 11 of 23 events:
1. Larry Dixon, 1072 (1092)
2. Tony Schumacher, 893
3. Cory McClenathan, 873
4. Doug Kalitta, 838
5. Antron Brown, 742 (762)
6. Brandon Bernstein, 681
7. Morgan Lucas, 524
8. Shawn Langdon, 516
9. Steve Torrence, 444
10. Terry McMillen, 411
