Acclaimed drag racing neophyte, Buddy Perkinson is beginning an endeavor in the Competition Eliminator class and the legends of the sport have better take notice on the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing series.

At this weekend’s Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa., the 19-year-old Perkinson is optimistic in matching and even surpassing his Competition Eliminator quarterfinal finish at Indy last month. Driving his Larry Morgan-owned 2007 Dodge Straus comp eliminator is a natural link for the Prince George, Va., resident in his progression up to the professional ranks.

Acclaimed drag racing neophyte, Buddy Perkinson is beginning an endeavor in the Competition Eliminator class and the legends of the sport have better take notice on the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing series.

At this weekend’s Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa., the 19-year-old Perkinson is optimistic in matching and even surpassing his Competition Eliminator quarterfinal finish at Indy last month. Driving his Larry Morgan-owned 2007 Dodge Straus comp eliminator is a natural link for the Prince George, Va., resident in his progression up to the professional ranks.

“I want to win every time I show up,” exclaimed Perkinson.  “Winning those rounds in Indy was big buildup to our confidence.  Prior to that race, we didn’t have a setup or a tune up, so for us to go the top eight in the class was a big morale booster.  On our first two qualifying passes, we didn’t even get down the track. When we get to Reading, we’ll have the car running right.  All we have to do is leave the starting line on time.”

Perkinson actually does have some driving experience at Maple Grove Raceway when he ran Jr. Dragster at age 12 in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2003 competing in a field of 600, so the youngster knows how to contend and win in his elite category.

“I’ve been working on the practice tree about three nights a week,” said Perkinson.  “We have a lot of support from Larry Morgan Racing and there’s not a doubt our car will be competitive.  The rest is left up to me.  As long as I stay calm and do what I know I can do, then we’ll be fine.”

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