Baytown: Shawn Langdon Friday notes

Langdon rings up big opening pass in Houston

HOUSTON (March 27) -- Top Fuel rookie Shawn Langdon opened the 22nd annual O'Reilly NHRA Spring Nationals presented by Pennzoil with a strong 3.920-second pass at 310.98 mph to secure the No. 3 starting spot in the provisional field.

Rain shortened Friday's racing to just one session and only four Top Fuel cars dipped into the three-second range, including Langdon's Lucas Oil/Dixie Choppers dragster. Cory McClenathan was the quickest with a 3.905, but Langdon was close behind.

"That was a great start for us, especially considering the fact we lost a round to rain," Langdon said. "That allows us to rest comfortably tonight and prepare for two more big attempts tomorrow.

"The weather forecast is too good to be true for the rest of the weekend. It's going to be cooler and low humidity and we should be absolutely flying out there. Since we already have a great run in the books, we can really get after it so we're fired up."

A leading candidate for Rookie of the Year, Langdon entered this race in eighth place in the Full Throttle championship points.

Saturday's two sessions are scheduled for noon and 3:30 p.m.

-credit: mlr