Shreveport John Mancuso Race Notes

SHREVEPORT, LA.-- John Mancuso had a mathematical chance to retain his championship going into the IHRA World Finals. However, his chances to claim the 1999 championship faded as quickly as his participation did at the final event of the 1999 season. Mancuso lost a tough match to Jim McClure in the first round.

"We had a very inconsistent season," explained Mancuso. "We will do some preseason testing prior to the 2000 campaign and we will come back out and challenge for the title."

Mancuso returned to the site of his quickest-ever run (6.500/215), but didn't fare too well in his first attempt with a 7.535/156.56.

Mancuso did much better on the first attempt on Saturday. He quickly ascended from the bump spot as he sped to a 6.592/211.96. He secured the second spot going into the final session. The final attempt afforded no improvement and Mancuso ended qualifying as the third quickest.

He was scheduled to face Jim McClure in the first round of eliminations. The cagey veteran from Virginia beat the Texan off of the line and he used the starting line to his advantage as he posted a 6.817/197.68 to 6.853/199.64.