Norwalk: Mopar Racing wrap up

NORWALK, Ohio. (Aug. 25, 2000) - Mark Thomas, who pilots the Ethanol/Mopar Parts IHRA.com Funny Car, made his best pass of the weekend, but still fell in the first round of Saturday eliminations in the Mopar Parts World Nationals IHRA Summit Drag Racing event at Norwalk Raceway Park.

Thomas, who qualified 14th, lost in the first round to Jimmy Rector who posted a 5.961-second elapsed time at 235.39 mph. Thomas managed a 6.069/232.23 run.

"It's been a struggle this weekend," Thomas said. "We are making some nice power, we just need to work on the clutch. We should have our new Dodge Avenger body ready for the next race. We'll be in good shape."

The Nicorette/Mopar Top Outlaw dragster of Laurie Cannister failed to start in her round of competition. Cannister suffered a broken starter and missed an opportunity to win her second-straight IHRA national event.

"After qualifying second, I thought we had a real chance at this," Cannister noted. "This would have been the race to win because a lot of Nicorette and Mopar people were here. I just hope we can maintain our points lead."