Brainerd: Cory McClenathan final notes

Cory Mac Pleased with Quarterfinal Outing at Brainerd

Cory McClenathan was pleased to leave Brainerd with a Top Fuel round win Sunday after putting in long hours assembling his new team prior to the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

After qualifying 16th, McClenathan ran his quickest run of the weekend to upset No. 1 qualifier Tony Schumacher. The FRAM dragster got the win light in 4.598 seconds at 321.12 mph while Schumacher's car experienced traction trouble, slowing to a 5.588 at 177.74 mph.

In the next round, Cory Mac had problems and shut it off just past half-track while Larry Dixon took the win. Dixon, the eventual race runner-up, ran 4.574 at 322.65 mph to a 5.128 at 202.09.

"The car looks like it is starting to come around," said McClenathan. "The blower was down on boost on our run against Dixon. He had a good car. I was pleased with the way our car ran. It was going down the track and the guys were working hard. I think we have a good combination going into next week's race at Reading (Pa., Aug. 17-19).

-credit: sgr