Charlotte: R2B2 Racing Saturday notes

Hawley earns first FC No. 1 in 25 years with 4.072-second time; Troxel's best is 4.100

CONCORD, N.C., Sept. 13, 2008 -- Frank Hawley maintained his position atop the Carolina Nationals Funny Car qualifying ladder Saturday on a hot, humid Saturday at zMax Dragway, thanks to his impressive 4.072-second elapsed time from Friday night.

"Our Rite Aid Dodge Charger ran really well, and the team earned our No. 1 position," said Hawley, "but we didn't have a consistent performance over the last two days. We had some mechanical difficulties Saturday and it was the first time we've run in the heat and humidity.

"But we're going to enjoy the No. 1 position."

A two-time NHRA Funny Car champion (1982-83), Hawley started Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School in 1985 and quit competitive racing in 1991. He returned earlier this year. This is his sixth race.

Crew chief Aaron Brooks tuned Hawley into a runner-up at Reading last month.

"We just want to win the first round," added Hawley. "We will go out and try to run as fast as we can."

His opening round foe is Jeff Arend (No. 15, 4.131 at 304.19).

TROXEL'S quickest run also came Friday night (4.100 at 304.53). She wasn't able to get down the track as quick as she wanted Saturday due to the hot weather and a faulty burst panel.

"We were on a pretty good run on our last try when we had a defective burst panel," she said. "There was nothing wrong with the car. It was only our second run on it. That shouldn't happen for a full year.

"We are happy with the performance going into Sunday."

She races Ron Capps (10th, 4.117 at 299.73 mph) in the opening round.

-credit: r2b2