In the first rounds of qualifying for the Short Line Express Market Gambler Shootout presented by Torco Fuels, Top Alcohol Dragster driver Michael Manners, Willis, Texas, and Top Alcohol Funny Car pilot Steve Harker, Gainesville, Ga., took the No. 1 qualifying positions in their classes. The event marks the final event on the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional schedule. Lucas Oil Racers also compete at NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series which has one event to go, next weekend at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, Calif.
Manners leads a strong list of racers in the alcohol dragster class taking the early pole with a run of 5.364 seconds at 265.70 mph. Manners is followed by Hillary Will, Ypsilanti, Mich., and defending NHRA Lucas Oil National Champion Bill Reichert, Owosso, Mich., in the number two and three spots respectively. Reichert, currently leads the chase for the 2009 national championship and is hoping to hold off Duane Shields, Boulder City, Nev., and Jim Whiteley, Grand Junction, Colo., who are qualified fifth and sixth.
Harker put his ’06 Monte Carlo on top with a lap of 5.672 seconds, 255.34 mph with Alexis De Joria and Tony Bartone in second and third. De Joria, Bronson, Fla., ran 5.676 at 254.04 and Bartone, Long Island, N.Y., clocked in at 5.684, 250.97.