Cory McClenathan and Robert Hight won their first races of the 2009
season Sunday at the Second annual NHRA Carolinas Nationals at zMax
Dragway to make huge moves in the Countdown to 1.
Joining McClenathan (Top Fuel) and Hight (Funny Car) in the winner’s
circle at at the 19th of 24 races in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing
Series were Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana (Pro Stock
Motorcycle).
The NHRA Carolinas Nationals is the first race in the Countdown to 1, NHRA’s six-race playoff.
McClenathan, who pushed his FRAM Tough Guard dragster to a 3.857 at
312.64 mph in his final round win over rookie Shawn Langdon (3.980 at
280.49) and the Dixie Choppers/Lucas Oil team, entered the playoffs in
fifth place, but he took advantage of early exits by the drivers ahead
of him to move all the way into first place.