Brainerd: Cory McClenathan Saturday notes

McClenathan Qualifies New Car in Brainerd
Improves in Final Session

BRAINERD, Minn., Aug. 11, 2007 -- Cory McClenathan was pleased with his new team's progress so far in their first outing. The FRAM Top Fuel dragster driver's time of 4.666 seconds at 323.12 mph in Saturday's final qualifying session was good enough for the No. 16 spot for Sunday's Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

It was also an indication that the team had found a good tune-up for the new car after struggling with parts breakage on Friday.

"We had a much better day today," McClenathan said. "With all new parts and pieces, (new crew chief) Keith Adams and (assistant crew chief) Tony Shortall had to start somewhere and get a baseline. It came together on the final run, and I'm lucky enough to be in the field."

"That was a good, clean run with no problems. Everything looked great when we took it apart afterwards."

McClenathan will race Tony Schumacher (No. 1, 4.548 at 328.54) in the opening round.

-credit: sgr