Baytown: Larry Dixon Saturday summary

From The Snake Pit:
NHRA defending champ Larry Dixon hot as Houston track.

HOUSTON, TX (April 12) - The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Top Fuel points leader Larry Dixon and the Miller Lite Snake Racing Dragster posted a lap time of 4.526 seconds (324.90 mph), holding on to their No. 3 position after the second day of qualifying Saturday at the Pennzoil O'Reilly Spring Nationals.

The Don Prudhomme Miller Lite Dragster ended the day with a lap of 4.635 seconds (312.93 mph), and will start the day tomorrow paired against David Baca (No. 14), during the first round of eliminations. It seems like just yesterday Dixon was up against Baca in the final round at The Strip in Las Vegas. But it was Dixon who claimed victory and a third straight win in Las Vegas.

Dixon made the comment yesterday, "I'm still not happy with my numbers, but Dick (LaHaie) wasn't happy with his number either, so we've both got work to do." Apparently, both Dixon and LaHaie did their homework.

"We have the reputation of going down a hot race track better than any car out here," said Dick LaHaie. "We've worked hard on it for many years and have been very fortunate when it comes to a hot track...it's when we come into our own."

LaHaie added, "Intimidation is a big factor, and that there, (lap 4.526/324.90 mph) is a big intimidation factor."

Tomorrow the temperature is expected to hit 80 degrees. If intimidation wasn't a factor today, it will surely be tomorrow.

Race day coverage can be seen on ESPN2 tomorrow, Sunday, April 13 from 1:00-3:00am ET (qualifying), and from 5:00-8:00pm (eliminations).

-www.snakeracing.com