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LAS VEGAS - For the second race in a row, Duane Shields made it to the semifinals, this time at the Eighth Annual NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For Shields and the Shortline Express crew, the Las Vegas race is a homecoming event. "We had close to one hundred hometown fans and racers in our pit area between rounds as we hosted a BBQ throughout the weekend. I'm glad we were able to put on a good show for everyone who came out to watch us" Shields said.
Shields began the weekend by qualifying no. 1 in the first round of qualifying but ended up in the forth position with a respectable 5.42. In the first round Shields took on newcomer Tom Bayer driving the Toyo Tires entry. Bayer went up in smoke at the hit and had to lift. Shields meanwhile cruised to an easy 5.41 win.
In the second round, Shields faced Chris Demke in the Peen-Rite Abrasive Finishing entry. Demke got a jump on Shields but was unable to maintain the lead. Shields drove around Demke at half track and held on for the victory with a 5.33 blast, to Demke's 5.45.
In the semifinal round, Shields faced eventual winner Joey Severence. Shields who was on a roll in front of his hometown fans experienced a lose locknut which backed off in the valvetrain resulting in a subpar 6.79, while Severance streaked to a 5.39 win. "I knew Joey was running well all weekend and he certainly didn't back in to the win. We dropped some cylinders but it didn't damage the engine but it did damage my heart. Regardless, I was happy to see Joey get his first national event win" Shields said.
Overall, Sheilds was happy with his team's performance this weekend. "We had a good time and I'm already looking forward to the Lucas race here next weekend. Our Shortline Express stores is sponsoring next week's race and we're giving away tickets so it should be fun." said Shields.
As always, Duane Shields thanks his sponsors Valvoline Motor Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, and Hussey Copper Gaskets for their support.
Shields Rolls to Semifinal Finish at Home Track
LAS VEGAS - For the second race in a row, Duane Shields made it to the semifinals, this time at the Eighth Annual NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. For Shields and the Shortline Express crew, the Las Vegas race is a homecoming event. "We had close to one hundred hometown fans and racers in our pit area between rounds as we hosted a BBQ throughout the weekend. I'm glad we were able to put on a good show for everyone who came out to watch us" Shields said.
Shields began the weekend by qualifying no. 1 in the first round of qualifying but ended up in the forth position with a respectable 5.42. In the first round Shields took on newcomer Tom Bayer driving the Toyo Tires entry. Bayer went up in smoke at the hit and had to lift. Shields meanwhile cruised to an easy 5.41 win.
In the second round, Shields faced Chris Demke in the Peen-Rite Abrasive Finishing entry. Demke got a jump on Shields but was unable to maintain the lead. Shields drove around Demke at half track and held on for the victory with a 5.33 blast, to Demke's 5.45.
In the semifinal round, Shields faced eventual winner Joey Severence. Shields who was on a roll in front of his hometown fans experienced a lose locknut which backed off in the valvetrain resulting in a subpar 6.79, while Severance streaked to a 5.39 win. "I knew Joey was running well all weekend and he certainly didn't back in to the win. We dropped some cylinders but it didn't damage the engine but it did damage my heart. Regardless, I was happy to see Joey get his first national event win" Shields said.
Overall, Sheilds was happy with his team's performance this weekend. "We had a good time and I'm already looking forward to the Lucas race here next weekend. Our Shortline Express stores is sponsoring next week's race and we're giving away tickets so it should be fun." said Shields.
As always, Duane Shields thanks his sponsors Valvoline Motor Oil, NGK Spark Plugs, and Hussey Copper Gaskets for their support.
