Brainerd: Herbert gets to quarterfinals

BRAINERD, Minn., Aug. 19, 2001 - Doug Herbert's review of the Colonel's Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway was succinct: "It was just one of those weekends," he said.

It was for several reasons:

1. The Snap-on Racing team fought to find a competitive tune-up all weekend;

2. He qualified eighth, lower than he had in three of the last four races when he made up points on his quest to move into sixth place in NHRA Winston Series standings;

3. And, his quarterfinal-round loss to Larry Dixon ended his competitive day earlier than hoped.

"I guess we didn't use anything we've been learning at the last few races," Herbert added.

After pulling within 117 points of sixth-place Darrell Russell, Herbert slipped to 158 points behind because Russell was runner-up to Dixon.

"We did put on a new supercharger that will definitely help us down the road," he said.

Herbert's best run at BIR was 4.705 seconds, good for the No. 8 starting spot. He beat David Grubnic in the opening round before meeting Dixon.

Herbert and the Snap-on crew return to competition at the U.S. Nationals, NHRA's most prestigious race, Aug. 31-Sept. 3, at Indianapolis.

Qualified: No. 8, 4.705 seconds at 314.75 mph.

First round: Herbert, 4.148 at 246.75 def. David Grubnic; Quarterfinals: Larry Dixon def. Herbert

Race winners: Larry Dixon, Top Fuel; Ron Capps, Funny Car; Bruce Allen, Pro Stock

-SOR