With five races of the 2008 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series under his belt, Doug Herbert, owner and driver of the SnaponFranchise.com Top Fuel dragster, anxiously awaits the first race near his North Carolina home.

Just a few short hours away from Herbert’s business and race shop in Lincolnton, N.C., Atlanta Dragway has always provided a golden opportunity for friends and family members to watch Herbert traverse the quarter-mile in his 8,000 horsepower hot rod.

“I’m looking forward to Atlanta for several reasons,” said Herbert. “We went to our first final of the season here last year, so doing that again would be cool, only this time we want a win instead of a runner-up.

“I’m also looking forward to racing in front of so many of my friends and family. This is the first time we’ve raced so close to home since the accident, and just being able to hang out with everyone over the weekend will be special.”

Among friends and family attending the race will be members of Boy Scout Troop 313 of Huntersville, N.C., of which Doug’s son James was a member.

“I remember the whole troop coming out to the race last year,” said the veteran driver. “James had such a good time running around the track with all his buddies.

“I’m sure I will think of that this weekend and it will just give me extra motivation to go out and win. I want to make him proud, and I think giving his friends a good day at the races will make him happy. Taking a win and moving closer to the championship would be even better.”