Bristol: Alan Pittman Friday report

BRISTOL, Tenn. - When the NHRA introduced the Pro Modified cars for the first time at the Mac Tools Gatornationals last month, sophomore driver Alan Pittman impressed a lot of people when he drove away from a group of the country's toughest competitors to claim low qualifier honors. That event was eventually rained out, but Pittman, who's been on a tear all season, showed no signs of relinquishing the pole position as round two of the five-race schedule got under way.

During Friday's first two qualifying sessions for the Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, the Pelzer, SC., car builder was back on the attack. The sophomore piloted his blown Westbrook Motorsports '41 Willys to runs of 6.318/222.22 and 6.3000/221.92 to take top spot on the provisional pole, and declare his intentions to be the man to beat this weekend in Tennessee.

Pittman heaps praise on his crew as well as car owners Ken and Sylvia Westbrook.

"I really didn't expect to do as well as we have in Bristol," explained Pittman, who is in his sophomore season in Pro Modified. "The track is excellent out here and our car loves it. Never let it be said that I'd be one to stand in the way of true love. Seriously, I feel lucky to still be on top. We aren't hurting anything and that's always a plus."

For more information on Westbrook Motorsports, visit their website at www.westbrookmotorsports.com.