Bristol: Larry Dixon preview

The Dixon Dispatch Weekly release of 2002 NHRA POWERade Champ Larry Dixon & Miller Lite Dragster. Defending NHRA POWERade Champ Larry Dixon looks to win two straight at Thunder Valley Nationals. BRISTOL, TENN. (April 22)- Dixon and the Don ...

The Dixon Dispatch
Weekly release of 2002 NHRA POWERade Champ Larry Dixon & Miller Lite Dragster.

Defending NHRA POWERade Champ Larry Dixon looks to win two straight at Thunder Valley Nationals.

BRISTOL, TENN. (April 22)- Dixon and the Don Prudhomme Racing-Miller Lite Team are rested and rearing to go. The Easter holiday has provided a nice break for the crew, but it's now time to pick up directly where they left off...last year. Eager to follow in the tracks of last year's success, in which the team won the event and Dixon's 20th victory. Exactly one year later, Dixon has 27 notches on the victory belt, and at the 3rd Annual NHRA Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals, at the Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway (April 25-27th), he hopes to add another.

"For the past two years, whether it's track or weather related, we've had the car to beat," said Dixon. "Going into race day, with that kind of feeling, it's great. Of course you have to see what both the track and weather are like, but in any case, I'm pretty comfortable about going back to that track."

Currently, Dixon and the Miller Lite Dragster lead the NHRA Top Fuel point standings (459pts.), which is not a comfort level Dixon takes for granted. The team has worked exceedingly hard to maintain the lead; including a recent testing session after the Baytown, Texas race.

According to Dixon, the crew was very pleased with the results. "We tested some new parts in Baytown and were very pleased with the results, we got a lot of good information out of it, that's for sure."

Something else they should by pleased with: not dropping an opening round match up this season, making it to at least the second round of Sunday finals, and making it to the semi-finals at 19 of the last 28 races. Dixon has reason to feel comfortable about the trip back to Bristol, but don't let him fool you. A champion is never comfortable, but rather fiercely competitive.

Dixon spent much of the Easter holiday with family in Florida, while visiting several tourist attractions with his wife Ali and their two children. The Miller Lite team is excited to get back into action during this week's Thunder Valley Nationals at the Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway (April 25-27th).