Norwalk: Terry McMillen post race notes

NORWALK, Ohio - Sometimes you can throw everything but the kitchen sink at your combination during a race weekend, and you might still fail to find success. A weary Terry McMillen discovered after a disheartening first round loss at the Mopar Parts World Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, that it was not his lucky weekend.

McMillen, 47, of Elkhart, Indiana, ended a dismal weekend with a first round loss opposite Dale Brand.

"We did all we could," explained McMillen. "My team is made up of fighters and we fought every bit of adversity as it reared its ugly head. This is a part of racing that we all must learn to accept. However, that doesn't make it easy to accept."

McMillen had high hopes entering the event. He was intent on earning a place in the field and made an impressive baseline in the first session, landing in the eighth spot with a 6.077, 231.04. The Valley Screen Print & Imaging-sponsored machine made some changes in the fuel pump and supercharger department and the move paid off with a slight improvement with a 6.095/229.20. He ended up in the 11th spot after the first day.

McMillen was securely in the field and because of this used the opportunity to test some new parts. In his first attempt on Saturday, the Mopar pilot failed to improve with a 6.189. His final attempt provided no reprieve and as a result, he concluded the day as the 12th quickest.

In attempt to return to previous fortunes, he went with the same combination that he ran two races earlier in Leicester. In the first round against Brand, McMillen was up for the challenge, but tireshake 200-feet into the run, aborted the run and coasted to a losing 7.643.

-HC