Barklage Racing went to Indy on a mission to bring home another big Barklage win.  The team was struggling with the fresh emotions of the tragic accident at the Barklage shop earlier in the week that resulted in the death of Joe Bellamy.  Although the team had many obstacles to overcome, the team was on top at the end of qualifying.  Sitting No. 1 was Zach Barklage in his 1957 Chevy with a top ET of 6.17, but not far behind him in the No. 2 spot was substitute driver Scott Palmer in Cody Barklage’s Pontiac GTO posting an ET of 6.22.

“My car was pretty quick all weekend,” said Barklage.  We went out to win a race, and taking the No. 1 qualifier position is always the first step.  We went to Indy ready to step-up our game, and now we know we had the car to beat.  I am sorry my brother wasn’t there to give me the usual tough competition, but Scott Palmer is a good driver.  He was the No. 2 qualifier, and racing well, so I think this proves we have two excellent cars.” 

Despite Cody Barklage going into Indy tied for first in Nitro Coupe, he did not compete.  Racing in his place was Scott Palmer, of Branson, Missouri, driver of the O’ Reilly Auto Parts / Nitro Plate Top Fuel Dragster.  Although Palmer is best known for his time in Top Fuel, Palmer has several years experience in a door car.

“I really was honored to help out my friends,” said Palmer.  “Mark and his boys have been long-time friends of mine, and I wanted to make them proud.  I had never been in Cody’s car until this weekend, so we all had a little nervousness over the unknown.  Although this isn’t my regular ride, I came here to win”

The team worked hard and eliminated several other cars before meeting up in another all Barklage final round.  The No. 1 qualifier Zach Barklage against the No. 2 Scott Palmer was how the stage was set.  When the round was said and done with, it was Scott Palmer who came out on top.  Running a 6.23 he was able to take out Barklage in the final round.

“Cody has one good car,” said Palmer.  “The car runs very smooth, and it ran like a bracket car all weekend.  We were all on top of our game, and I’m so happy I could do this for them.  Cody is a great kid, and I was concerned about letting him down, so I guess this all worked out.  I know the team needed this win for their spirits.  They have been though a lot this past week, so I’m just happy for all of us.  I guess now, I can finally say I’ve won Indy!”