Grand Bend: Dale Brinsfield race notes

GRAND BEND, Ont.-Pro Modified veteran Dale Brinsfield endured a troublesome qualifying effort at the IHRA Mopar Canadian Nationals.

The Greensboro, NC.-based, Import Car business owner lifted early in his first qualifying attempt on Friday and coasted to a 6.797, 164.41. Second round of qualifying on Saturday looked to be a vast improvement judging the launch. However, the run turned sour toward top end when flash flames shot out from underneath the car and he slowed to a 6.796,155.

"On the first qualifying pass we did not have enough clutch, and we burned a piston," explained Brinsfield. "Second qualifying pass felt strong in the beginning, but toward top end we burned another piston," continued Brinsfield. The engine trouble was suspected to be due to a faulty battery.

"We felt that something was wrong prior to final round of qualifying. The motor felt tight," explained Aubrey Smith, Brinsfield's Crew Chief.

The combination of cold damp weather coupled with distressing mechanical problems and past experience compelled Brinsfield to opt-out of the final session unqualified. He never gained the opportunity to change engines due to time, which kept him from his final qualifying attempt.

-IHRA