Shreveport Mark McElwee Report

McElwee Ends Season On A Wheels-up Basis At IHRA Mopar World Finals

SHREVEPORT, LA.-- An unfortunate part of drag racing mandates that sometimes, when it's not your day. It's not your day. The Powershield Coatings-sponsored, Super Eliminator driver found out that his luck at the IHRA Mopar Parts World Finals was not limited to one day. The team battled gremlins all weekend and their frustrating weekend ended in the first round when the front wheels went skyward.

The problems began early for the Port St. Lucie, Fla.,-based driver has he had drivetrain problems on the first qualifying attempt. McElwee nailed the throttle at the starting line and the car sat there motionless. He corrected the problem for the second session and cranked out a 6.461/207.30.

However, the problems continued as McElwee continued to thrash parts and slowed to an 8.311/108.23 during the third session. His fourth attempt afforded him no reprieve as he broke on the line.

McElwee was scheduled to face Michael Barclay in the first round. He nailed his opponent on the starting line and appeared to be on course for a win, until the front wheels went skyward. The team lost with a 8.44, while Barclay stormed to a 6.343.