Grand Bend: Bob Gilbertson preview

BOB GILBERTSON FOLLOWS EMAX SERIES NITRO FUNNY CAR POINTS CHASE TO GRAND BEND MOTORPLEX

NORWALK, Ohio (May 18, 2006) -- Nitro Funny Car racer Bob Gilbertson has announced he will compete at the MOPAR Canadian Nationals presented by Castrol June 2-4 at Grand Bend (Ontario) Motorplex.

Gilbertson, who is second in the eMax Drag Racing Series point standings, is looking to take over the number one spot with his Autolite XP Spark Plugs/Prestone Antifreeze Dodge Stratus and is excited about competing on Canadian soil once again where he won his first IHRA National Event.

"I've got a lot of fond memories from the Canadian races I've run," Gilbertson said. "I won the Cayuga race way back in 1991 and I'd like to get another 'Ironman' trophy from the Canadian Nationals and to win the race in my Dodge Stratus would make it all the more special for the folks from MOPAR."

Gilbertson cranked out a 4.837 second elapsed time at the last IHRA race in Rockingham to lead qualifying and set the track record and he's looking to improve on that at Grand Bend.

"We've got a pretty fast car right now and I'm confident the 'Super Mario Brothers' (Gilbertson's co-crew chiefs Nick Boninfante Jr. and Tommy Delago) will give me a car I can win with," Gilbertson added. "My whole crew is behind the decision to add this race to our schedule and with their support and a little luck we'll be in the winner's circle on Sunday night."

-rg-