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Tucson - After scoring a major win at Pomona and then experiencing a disappointing first round exit in Phoenix after taking the pole, Duane Shields was looking to get back into the winner's circle in Tucson where he won last year.
Shields certainly seemed like he was on track for another win as he once again took his second number one qualifying position in as many weeks with a 5.39 at 267 MPH. This set up a showdown with number eight qualifier, Shawn Cowie, who has done fairly well in only his second season in Top Alcohol. At the start, Cowie handed Shields the win as he fowled out with an -0.182 light. Fortunately for Shields, Cowie went red as he had a better ET with a 5.47 to Shields' 5.52 at 260 MPH. But it didn't matter as the race was over at the starting line.
Shields then moved on to the semis where he earned a re-match with Cody Perkins, whom Shields lost to in the first round at Phoenix. This time rather than smoke the tires at the hit, Shields was able to make a race out of it with a 5.70 at 256 MPH. But the run was still off pace as Perkins recorded a much quicker 5.48 at 253 MPH to take the win. Shields explained the reason for the loss. "The car had severe tire shake and I was forced to "pedal" the throttle to get it settled down, which gave Cody the opportunity to race by for the win" Shields said.
While Shields was unable to score back-to-back wins in Arizona like he did last year, the season is still young and there will be many more opportunities to defend his Division 7 title while going after his first National Championship.
Shields Improves in Tucson
Tucson - After scoring a major win at Pomona and then experiencing a disappointing first round exit in Phoenix after taking the pole, Duane Shields was looking to get back into the winner's circle in Tucson where he won last year.
Shields certainly seemed like he was on track for another win as he once again took his second number one qualifying position in as many weeks with a 5.39 at 267 MPH. This set up a showdown with number eight qualifier, Shawn Cowie, who has done fairly well in only his second season in Top Alcohol. At the start, Cowie handed Shields the win as he fowled out with an -0.182 light. Fortunately for Shields, Cowie went red as he had a better ET with a 5.47 to Shields' 5.52 at 260 MPH. But it didn't matter as the race was over at the starting line.
Shields then moved on to the semis where he earned a re-match with Cody Perkins, whom Shields lost to in the first round at Phoenix. This time rather than smoke the tires at the hit, Shields was able to make a race out of it with a 5.70 at 256 MPH. But the run was still off pace as Perkins recorded a much quicker 5.48 at 253 MPH to take the win. Shields explained the reason for the loss. "The car had severe tire shake and I was forced to "pedal" the throttle to get it settled down, which gave Cody the opportunity to race by for the win" Shields said.
While Shields was unable to score back-to-back wins in Arizona like he did last year, the season is still young and there will be many more opportunities to defend his Division 7 title while going after his first National Championship.
