Johnny Rocca's Ironhorse Qualifying Report - Epping

Johnny Rocca's Ironhorse Steams To Pole Position At IHRA Parts Pro North American Nationals

EPPING, NH -- On his last qualifying lap, with his spot secured in the field, car owner Johnny Rocca had given his driver Troy Critchley permission to do a quarter-mile burnout for the sake of putting on a show. We all should have known something when Critchley lifted from the burnout at the 60-foot mark. The Prolong X-Treme Machines-sponsored, Ironhorse 1949 Mercury left many jaws agape when Critchley stormed to a phenomenal 6.313/222.14. That was his version of putting on a show.

Rocca was astounded by the lap and was visibly excited on the starting line.

"This makes up for every misfortune we encountered," explained Rocca. "We have one goal out of the way, and it is time to work on the second. We have every intention of going for the win tommorrow."

Critchley added, "This is great. This run was for all of our fans in the States and back home. I hope this is the first of many good things to come forth from this team."