PRO STOCK DRIVER KYLE KORETSKY TOP QUALIFIER AT ARIZONA NATIONALS
By Tracy Renck, photo by Roger Richards Sat, 2022-02-26 17:55
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Kyle Koretsky saved the best for last – at least when it came to qualifying for the Arizona Nationals.Koretsky clocked a 6.520-second run at 210.21 mph in the third and final qualifying session to grab the No. 1 qualifying spot at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Phoenix.
Koretsky, who gets engine power from KB, qualified third at the season-opening Winternationals last week, but was upset in the first round by Fernando Cuadra Jr.
Koretsky just edged Aaron Stanfield for the top spot in the qualifying ladder. Stanfield clocked a 6.521-second elapsed time.
“I’m super excited,” Koretsky said. “Last qualifier there and the Lucas Oil Camaro had it in it. Greg gave us the tune-up and the rest of the guys, Nathan, Rob, and Dave said hold on. I was holding on and it left with the wheels up and I hit every shift point perfectly, and man, I get out of the car and the officials give you the No. 1 and that was pretty cool. It was a great day for KB, Ken, and Judy (Black) and it is cool.”
This is the second career No. 1 qualifying position for Koretsky. Koretsky, who qualified No. 1 in Indianapolis last season, will face John Cerbone in round one Sunday.
Erica Enders had a hold of the No. 1 qualifying position through two qualifying sessions before Koretsky took it away. Enders was third on the ladder with a 6.526-second pass and she and Stanfield use Elite Motorsports engine power.
“They (Elite Motorsports) are the team we are going for,” Koretsky said. “They do a heck of a job, and the KB guys worked their butts off all winter in the shop. Last weekend I had a little malfunction (at the Winternationals), but we are going to give them a run.”
With the great racing conditions at Wild Horse Motorsports Park expected again on Sunday, Koretsky knows it will be a driver’s race.
“I think Pro Stock is probably the toughest class in the NHRA,” Koretsky said. “It comes down to that 1500 RPM swift point and letting the clutch go the same time every time. I made a very good run, but is there improvement? Of course. I think there was a little bit more out there. The conditions were great, and the track was good.”
Koretsky acknowledged making tune-up decisions isn’t in his job description right now.
“That’s over my pay grade,” Koretsky said. “All I know is I came from an ice storm to nice weather. I leave it up to Nate and Dave and those guys, they prepare and they have the notes to make the right calls and I’m just here for the ride.”
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