Rockingham: Angelo Alesci exits early

ROCKINGHAM, NC. - Angelo Alesci had a good weekend turn bad in less than seven seconds on Sunday at the 31st annual IHRA Holley Spring Nationals at Rockingham Dragway. After qualifying his new 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier in the No. 5 spot, Alesci dropped a tough match against Brian Gahm in round one of eliminations.

Angelo Alesci Photo: IHRA

Alesci, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, started off the weekend strong with a great 6.74/205-mph pass during the opening round of qualifying to land in the No. 5 spot after the first session. The former Sunoco Pro Stock Showdown winner stepped up the performance level of his Cavalier during the second session, laying down a stout 6.66/207 which moved him up to the No. 4 position by the end of Friday's qualifying.

Alesci failed to improve during the opening qualifying session of Sunoco Pro Stock on Saturday, remaining in the No. 4 spot. He returned for the final qualifying session Saturday night in front of a huge crowd at "The Rock" and improved the performance of his Cavalier again. Alesci stormed to a consistent 6.63/207 to finish qualifying in the No. 5 position, setting up a first round confrontation with No. 12 qualifier, Gahm.

With the threat of rain in the area, Alesci rolled his beautiful black Chevy to the starting line for Sunday's eliminations ready for a classic Ford versus Chevy battle. Unfortunately for Alesci, the race was decided right on the starting line. Gahm's .420 reaction time spelled the difference in the race as his 6.70/207 defeated Alesci's quicker 6.65/207.

"The car worked flawlessly this weekend," said Alesci, who's only made eight passes in his 2001 Cavalier. "During the first round I just didn't do my job. We'll head to the next race in Virginia hoping to get the car into the 6.50's."

-IHRA-

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