News and Media Releases

Semi-Final Appearance At Maple Grove Raceway

23/08/2009

Quaker State Driver Continues to Lead Points

Following their victory last week in Brainerd, Tony Pedregon and the Quaker State team hoped to carry the momentum into this week's running of the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at maple Grove Raceway. With a solid qualifying effort the Quaker State team made it to the semi-finals in Sunday's elimination rounds.

Weather plagued the two days of qualifying sessions only allowing two of the four runs to get in. Pedregon turned in a solid performance putting the Quaker State Impala in the second qualifying spot going into the elimination rounds.

The two-time champion made a solo run in the first elimination round after his competitor broke before the pass. With the win Pedregon then faced off against Del Worsham in round two and took the win after Worsham spun his rear tires. The victory moved Pedregon to the semi-final round where he was paired up against Mike Neff.

The Brownsburg, Indiana native came into the semi-final with a 5-2 record over Neff in prior events. Pedregon had the quicker start but the rear tires on the Quaker State/Nitrofish Impala began to shake at the 330-foot mark and he had to click it off ending his day early.

Pedregon continues to lead the point standings with one event left before the start of the six-race "Countdown to One" which determines the 2009 NHRA Funny Car Champion.

The NHRA Funny Car Series will take a weekend off before heading to O'Reilly Raceway Park on September 2 - 7 for the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals. Qualifying sessions are set to begin on Friday, September 4 and run through Sunday, September 6. Elimination rounds will take place on Monday, September 7 (Labor Day).