HERBERT TOPS CHARTS IN TOP FUEL QUALIFYING IN SONOMA

Source: John Cardinale
Date: 07/28/2007

SONOMA, California -- Doug Herbert set the pace on Friday in Top Fuel qualifying for the 20th annual FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals at Infineon Raceway.

Herbert (Snap-on Tools), who is seeking his first top-qualifying effort since Dallas in 2005, covered the quarter-mile drag strip in 4.556 seconds (315.64 mph) during the second round of qualifying, which was cut short by a 10 p.m. track curfew. There will be two more rounds of qualifying on Saturday, with Sunday's final eliminations set to begin at noon.

The effort highlighted a blistering day on the Sonoma Valley drag strip, as three track records were shattered. The cool temperatures and the track's proximity to sea level created near-perfect conditions for racing.

"We're happy the Snap-on Tools dragster is No. 1 for now," Herbert said. "When we ran, I think everything was optimum. It was very good. It gets a little cold, but you've just got to keep your car going straight."

Herbert was followed in qualifying by Melanie Troxel (Vietnam Veterans/POW-MIA) at 4.561 (326.63) and Tony Schumacher (U.S. Army) at 4.575 (324.90). Top Fuel points leader Rod Fuller (Peterson Caterpillar) was last in qualifying (18th) at 5.364 (158.61).

Mike Ashley (Skull Gear/Torco Race Fuels Dodge) topped the charts in Funny Car with a time of 4.743 (326.79). The speed was a new track record, bettering the mark of 325.69, set by Del Worsham in 2005. Ashley is looking for his fourth top-qualifying effort of the season, his last coming in St. Louis in May. This marked his second visit to Infineon Raceway.

"It's been a great year for us and so exciting," said Ashley, who sits third in points. "The reality is this is a great facility and the weather has been great. For us to run 326 (mph) is a real credit to this facility and the job our team has done. We've been No. 1 before (in qualifying), but I'd rather win the race."

Ashley was followed by Jack Beckman (Mail Terminal Services Dodge), who is looking to sweep the West Coast Swing after winning in both Denver and Seattle (4.759, 324.67). Tommy Johnson Jr. (Skoal Chevrolet) was third-fast at 4.762 (320.97).

John Force (Castrol GTX Mustang) qualified 11th, while his daughter, Ashley Force, (Castrol GTX Mustang) was seventh.

Pro Stock points leader Greg Anderson (Summit Racing Equipment Pontiac) broke both the elapsed-time record and speed record at Infineon Raceway with a pass of 6.612 down the quarter-mile (208.07). Anderson owned the prior records of 6.631 and 207.82, set in 2006.

"That was a great confidence builder but we have to do it again and again and again," said Anderson, who has won six events this year and is a two-time winner in Sonoma (2004-05). "We need to get the consistency so we can win races. We'll see what happens (the rest of the weekend) but this is the first step and I hope we can learn something from it."

Anderson was followed in qualifying by Allen Johnson (Mopar Dodge Stratus), who posted an identical time of 6.612, but was a tad slower on speed (207.21). Johnson is on a bit of a roll, having reached the finals each of the last two weeks, including a win in Denver. Dave Connolly (Torco Chevy Cobalt) was third-fast at 6.631 (206.92). All three elapsed times either equaled or bettered the prior track record.

Andrew Hines (Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson) qualified in the top spot for Pro Stock Motorcycle with a pass of 6.962 (190.03). Hines, the 2005 winner at Infineon Raceway and the track record-holder for speed at 196.13, was followed by Angelle Sampey (U.S. Army) at 6.968 (191.08) and Craig Treble (Team Tigue Suzuki) at 6.983 (191.95). In all, five riders qualified with times under seven seconds.

"It's good to get back here in Sonoma and the team always runs well here," Hines said. "We've been the No. 1 qualifier here the last two years and we're shooting for three in a row."

Action resumes on Saturday at Infineon Raceway with two final rounds of qualifying, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Final eliminations will begin on Sunday at noon. For ticket information, visit www.infineonraceway.com or call 800-870-RACE.

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