Epping: Epping preview

EPPING, NH. - Laurie Cannister knew that making the transition from a Pro Outlaw dragster to an alcohol-burning Funny Car was going to take a quantum leap. The fellas now refer to her as "Leaping Laurie." The Clinton, Pa.-based driver's freshman season in the class has been more than she ever expected.

Funny Car has been good to her.

"So far so good," Cannister explained. "We have done a lot better than we thought we would have. We only hoped to be in the top ten and here were are third, and this is incredible. We are really happy."

For someone merely hoping for a top ten finish, Cannister has come close several times.

"Yeah and I hope to change that this weekend," Cannister smiled. "We are trying hard to get to the winner's circle. Consistency is what is going to get us there. We aren't giving up hope."

Cannister has reason to be excited. Last season, she drove her Nicorette/Nicoderm CQ-sponsored Pro Outlaw dragster to the event title en route to her first World Championship. The year prior, she finished runner-up.

Cannister will have the opportunity to move closer to her first Funny Car event title during this weekend at the IHRA Amalie Oil North American Nationals in Epping, NH.

-cr