There are a lot of factors that
go into winning an IHRA Nitro Funny Car world championship. You have to have a
strong, consistent car, you need a reliable motor that does not consistently
harm itself. You need a driver who doesn't make many mistakes, a crew to back
him up and, most importantly, for the breaks to fall your way. Dale Creasy Jr.,
the Beecher, Ill. resident who won the last two IHRA Nitro Funny Car
championships, felt he was able to win both world championships because, as he
put is, "everything came together and fell into place."
This season things have not worked
out quite as well. Creasy, who won an astounding six Ironmen last season, has
failed to find the Winner's Circle in 2008. He fell to current points leader
Steven Macklyn in the final round at the season-opener in San Antonio. He
followed that up by falling in the first round to eventual event champion Matt
Hagan at the IHRA Spring Nationals in Rockingham.