Brainerd: Dixon Friday notes

BRAINERD, MINN (Aug. 17) - A tricky quarter mile drag strip and late rain showers saw Larry Dixon and Don Prudhomme's Miller Lite Top Fuel Team qualify in the No. 11 position after the first day of qualifying Friday at the 20th Annual Colonel's Truck Accessories Nationals.

Dixon, the 1999 Brainerd Top Fuel Champ, entered Friday's qualifying sessions in the No. 2 spot in the Winston Top Fuel point standings, just 76 behind leader Kenny Bernstein. Less than four rounds of racing out of first place, Dixon and crew were looking to make up ground with a strong qualifying effort, however unfavorable track and weather conditions would not comply.

Crew Chief Dick LaHaie was limited to just one attempt at Brainerd International Raceway on the opening day as rains erased the evening qualifying session. Dixon's opening lap at B.I.R. resulted in an abbreviated pass of 5.532 seconds at 170.88 mph and placed him in the No. 11 spot after the first and only qualifying session of the day. Top Fuel rival Gary Scelzi claimed the early No. 1 qualifier position with his lap of 4.642 seconds at 315.12 mph.

Dixon's career best effort at Brainerd was his win over Eddie Hill in 1999. The Miller Lite Driver enters this weekend sitting second in the points race, just 76 behind leader Kenny Bernstein. Dixon has reached five final rounds this season, including wins at Gainesville, Fla, Columbus, Ohio and Denver.

Two qualifying sessions remain on Saturday and are scheduled for 1:30 and 4:30 PM ET. Qualifying rounds will be televised on ESPN on Saturday from 8:00-10:00 PM ET while elimination rounds will air on ESPN 2 on Sunday from 5:00-7:00 PM ET.

-www.snakeracing.com