[coverattach=1](9-8-2009) INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – No. 1 Pro Modified qualifier Danny Rowe seemed to be on the fast track to the winner’s circle at the 55th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis, but his supercharged ’68 Chevy Camaro suffered engine damage just past half-track in the final round, handing the win to a game Roger Burgess, who posted his best elapsed time of the weekend.
Behind the wheel of the Sterling Bridge Pro Modified Camaro, Rowe was unstoppable throughout the first three elimination rounds, taking out Kirk Wilmes in the opening stanza with a 5.949, which was the quickest elapsed time of eliminations, then making quick work of legendary nitrous racer “Tricky” Rickie Smith and Ike Maier with a 5.949 and a 5.973 – after qualifying with a 5.943/245.54mph combination.
Undeniably the baddest hot rod on the grounds in Indy, Rowe looked like the favorite going into the final round against Roger Burgess, but no one could predict the outcome when two of Pro Modified’s most recognized and feared crew chiefs were involved – Danny Rowe Racing’s Jimmy Rector and R2B2’s Al Billes.
“We were confident going into the final against Roger [Burgess],” said Rowe from the pits at O’Reilly Raceway Park following the final round showdown. “But it goes back to what I’ve been saying all year, these are the best cars, drivers and crew chiefs Pro Modified has to offer and you can’t take anyone lightly – especially Roger and R2B2 Racing. Considering the performance our Sterling Bridge Camaro had displayed all weekend, though, I knew we had a car that could win.”
When the green light dropped, Rowe cut a .045 light to Burgess’ .027 reaction, and the pair of vintage Chevrolet Camaros were welded together until half-track when the engine let go in Rowe’s once unbeatable ride, slowing him to a 6.585 at 160mph while Burgess trucked to the win with a 5.956 at 241.80mph.
“What can I say about this team?” said Rowe. “We took a brand new race car and went to the final in our first race out with it. We came in here No. 1 qualifier and went low E.T. in every round this weekend. We would have loved to get the win here in Indy, but we’ll have to settle for runner-up this weekend. We’ve been in three final rounds this year out of seven races and won one of them – we’ve been a contender at every race and that’s been our goal from the beginning.
“We’ve got three races left on the Get Screened America NHRA Pro Mod Challenge tour, we’ve clinched a spot in the Matco Tools Pro Mod Clash in Las Vegas, and we’re in contention for the world championship – I couldn’t ask for much more. We’re moving forward to Charlotte and will continue to focus on winning a championship.”
Next up for Danny Rowe Racing and the Sterling Bridge Pro Modified ’68 Camaro will be the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina at zMax Dragway on September 18-20.
Information regarding Danny Rowe Racing can be found at .: Danny Rowe Racing - Pro Modified :.
Behind the wheel of the Sterling Bridge Pro Modified Camaro, Rowe was unstoppable throughout the first three elimination rounds, taking out Kirk Wilmes in the opening stanza with a 5.949, which was the quickest elapsed time of eliminations, then making quick work of legendary nitrous racer “Tricky” Rickie Smith and Ike Maier with a 5.949 and a 5.973 – after qualifying with a 5.943/245.54mph combination.
Undeniably the baddest hot rod on the grounds in Indy, Rowe looked like the favorite going into the final round against Roger Burgess, but no one could predict the outcome when two of Pro Modified’s most recognized and feared crew chiefs were involved – Danny Rowe Racing’s Jimmy Rector and R2B2’s Al Billes.
“We were confident going into the final against Roger [Burgess],” said Rowe from the pits at O’Reilly Raceway Park following the final round showdown. “But it goes back to what I’ve been saying all year, these are the best cars, drivers and crew chiefs Pro Modified has to offer and you can’t take anyone lightly – especially Roger and R2B2 Racing. Considering the performance our Sterling Bridge Camaro had displayed all weekend, though, I knew we had a car that could win.”
When the green light dropped, Rowe cut a .045 light to Burgess’ .027 reaction, and the pair of vintage Chevrolet Camaros were welded together until half-track when the engine let go in Rowe’s once unbeatable ride, slowing him to a 6.585 at 160mph while Burgess trucked to the win with a 5.956 at 241.80mph.
“What can I say about this team?” said Rowe. “We took a brand new race car and went to the final in our first race out with it. We came in here No. 1 qualifier and went low E.T. in every round this weekend. We would have loved to get the win here in Indy, but we’ll have to settle for runner-up this weekend. We’ve been in three final rounds this year out of seven races and won one of them – we’ve been a contender at every race and that’s been our goal from the beginning.
“We’ve got three races left on the Get Screened America NHRA Pro Mod Challenge tour, we’ve clinched a spot in the Matco Tools Pro Mod Clash in Las Vegas, and we’re in contention for the world championship – I couldn’t ask for much more. We’re moving forward to Charlotte and will continue to focus on winning a championship.”
Next up for Danny Rowe Racing and the Sterling Bridge Pro Modified ’68 Camaro will be the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte, North Carolina at zMax Dragway on September 18-20.
Information regarding Danny Rowe Racing can be found at .: Danny Rowe Racing - Pro Modified :.
