Leicester: Scott Weney post race

Leicester, NY - Never let it be said that rejuvenated points leader Scott Weney doesn't get a bang out of drag racing - literally. Even a supercharger explosion, which in turn caused his fiberglass body to set a remarkable New York International Raceway Park altitude record during the final round of the IHRA CARQUEST Empire Nationals in Leicester, NY. He ended the day as a runner-up.

Weney has battled all season with the number one in points and IHRA Funny Car World Champion Von Smith. These two made it known that it was an amicable battle, but one in which there would be no holds barred to take the win. The IHRA CARQUEST Empire Nationals produced an interesting chapter to this story; one which would take Weney all the way to the final round. He also secured the points lead in the process.

Weney took a number seven spot in Friday's qualifying on a 6.074/232.97 run. Regarding the possibility of only one more run on Saturday due to weather, Weney came out hard and strong on the last Alcohol Funny Car qualifying run. With a 5.908/237.65 run, Weney took the number two spot and was set to face the Champ in round one of eliminations on Sunday.

Weney lost the advantage on the start to Smith, but overpowered the points leader with a 5.943/235.54 for the win in round one. Weney came back against Dale Brand for round number two. Weney must have tuned to the right combination for Sunday's competition, as he overcame a deficit with horsepower and took the win on a 5.935/236/28 run. Coming into round three, Weney faced Terry Munroe and showed no signs of wavering. This time, Weney took the start first, and held off Munroe to the end, with a 5.969/235.84 win. This put Weney in the final round again this season, but against Jimmy Rector.

Weney looked like the round winner again, with a .412 reaction time and a fabulous run. However, just at the finish line, the blower turned loose and took the funny car body up and off the chassis. The body landed at the finish line, the chassis and driver in the traps, and the win light by .084 seconds in the other lane.

Weney and the IHRA.com Pro Funny Car contingent will meet again for the CARQUEST Northern Nationals August 4-6 at the Mid-Michigan Motorplex.