Just when you think no one cares, the world steps up and gives you a big hug. This time it was Terry Haddock getting the hug.

Haddock rolled into Memphis Motorsports Park the motor in his dragster a collection of used parts and pieces patched together well enough to make a solid qualifying run, but not good enough to survive a second run. And, the drag racing community stepped up with a pretty big hug.

Mike Ashley sold the team a block. John Force had his team send over parts, as did Don Schumacher. Tim Wilkerson helped out. And, Nick Caseriano, car chief on Ashley Force Hood's Funny Car spent his spare time building a new short block from all the donated parts.

“It's amazing,” said Haddock. “Just when you think nobody really notices you, this happens and it just gives me the strength to keep going.

“First off I have to thank my guys who worked so hard and so long to keep us going. Next, All Floors & More out of Houston stepped up and paid for the diesel fuel, hotels and food for the crew guys. We wouldn't have even been here without them. Next, all the teams who sent parts and pieces and crew members who helped us build the one motor we have. If Nick Caseriano hadn't come by and built the short block I never would have had the time to get the heads ready. I remember Nick working with me when he was only 13. I am just stunned and humbled by the help of everyone and thankful to Competitionplus.com for telling our story and then ESPN for dropping by not one, not twice, but three times over the course of the weekend.”

Haddock made it to the line for the first round of eliminations but had to shut down when the reverser cable broke. His first round opponent, Tony Schumacher, went on to run low et of the session, 3.828 seconds, 313.73 mph.

“In the course of fixing everything else we missed the damage to the reverser cable,” said Haddock. “But, I was impressed with Schumacher's run. He did go to the line thinking we were a pushover. He went to the line with his guns fully loaded and I think that shows the respect he has for the determination of this team.”

Haddock will be at Virginia Motorsports Park in one week, but doesn't expect to arrive until Thursday. He says he will most likely skip Friday qualifying to save the one last motor in his inventory.

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