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MORRISON, Colo. (July 15, 2006) - Mopar driver Richie Stevens Jr. steered the Team Mopar/Valspar Dodge Stratus R/T into the No. 9 Pro Stock qualifying position for Sunday's Mopar Mile-High Nationals with a solid and straight 7.105-second elapsed time at 193.07 mph on Friday night.
The New Orleans native fought off tough track conditions as ambient temperatures reached the 100-degree mark and track temperatures over 130 degrees at Bandimere Speedway the past two days.
His other three qualifying passes resulted in a 7.181/192.47, a 7.154/193.13, and a run of 7.122/193.74, the fifth quickest of the final session. "We had a really good run that last lap. It has me feeling good for tomorrow," said Stevens.
"We have a really strong race car. We made it down the track all four times this weekend, and we have been consistent. Each pass we have gotten better and better.
"We have a solid setup for a hot track. It's nice to know we can run well in all types of conditions, and that is a credit to the work that David (Nickens, crew chief/engine builder) and Terry Adams (co-crew chief) have put into this program.
"We'll be the first pair out tomorrow, and hopefully we can start the day out good for Mopar and grab a quick win. It's going to be wide-open tomorrow, and we're going for the win."
Stevens faces off against Mike Edwards in the first round of Sunday's NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock eliminations.
STEVENS JR. NO. 9 QUALIFIER AT MOPAR MILE-HIGH NATIONALS
MORRISON, Colo. (July 15, 2006) - Mopar driver Richie Stevens Jr. steered the Team Mopar/Valspar Dodge Stratus R/T into the No. 9 Pro Stock qualifying position for Sunday's Mopar Mile-High Nationals with a solid and straight 7.105-second elapsed time at 193.07 mph on Friday night.
The New Orleans native fought off tough track conditions as ambient temperatures reached the 100-degree mark and track temperatures over 130 degrees at Bandimere Speedway the past two days.
His other three qualifying passes resulted in a 7.181/192.47, a 7.154/193.13, and a run of 7.122/193.74, the fifth quickest of the final session. "We had a really good run that last lap. It has me feeling good for tomorrow," said Stevens.
"We have a really strong race car. We made it down the track all four times this weekend, and we have been consistent. Each pass we have gotten better and better.
"We have a solid setup for a hot track. It's nice to know we can run well in all types of conditions, and that is a credit to the work that David (Nickens, crew chief/engine builder) and Terry Adams (co-crew chief) have put into this program.
"We'll be the first pair out tomorrow, and hopefully we can start the day out good for Mopar and grab a quick win. It's going to be wide-open tomorrow, and we're going for the win."
Stevens faces off against Mike Edwards in the first round of Sunday's NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Pro Stock eliminations.
