Epping Paul Romine Preview

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 10, 1998) -- The IHRA North American Nationals at New England Dragway could determine the 1998 Snap-on Drag Racing Top Fuel champion and reigning champion Paul Romine knows what it will take to keep his title --- perfection.

"We're down to two events and only 50 points separates us from Tommy (Johnson, Jr.)," Romine said. "The smallest mistake could cost us a championship and the CARQUEST team will settle for nothing less than perfection, from myself to Clayton (Harris) and the guys. This is a team effort and all of us want to keep the #1 on the car."

Romine and the CARQUEST team make the tow to Epping, New Hampshire in the middle of a four race in-a-row cycle which as already seen the team compete at races in Norwalk, Ohio and Indianapolis, Ind.

At the IHRA Prolong Super Lubricants World Nationals at Norwalk Raceway Park, Romine earned a runner-up finish which vaulted him into the IHRA points lead for the first time this season. Last weekend at his home track, Indianapolis Raceway Park, Romine was one of the 16 qualifiers in the quickest Top Fuel field in NHRA history.

"We've been pleased with our performance the last few weeks," Romine said. "At Norwalk we hurt some pieces, but gained the points lead, then last weekend we only suffered a few mechanical problems and qualified for Indy (the largest drag race of the year)."

"This weekend if we can take some of what we learned at Indy and apply it to what we had at Norwalk, I think we'll be successful in obtaining our ultimate goals, a win and a championship."

Top Fuel qualifying for the North American Nationals at New England Dragway begins Friday, Sept. 11th at 4:30 p.m. (EDT). Qualifying concludes Saturday, Sept. 12th with the final two qualifying shots at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled to begin Sunday, Sept. 13th at 12 noon.

The IHRA North American Nationals will be tape-delayed and aired at a later dated on ESPN2.