Columbus: Rod Fuller preview

Fuller hits the trail fourth in points

COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 16) -- Maintaining a top five position in any of the NHRA pro classes is difficult. Doing it in the elite Top Fuel field is particularly tough, just ask "Hot Rod" Fuller.

Heading into the eighth event of 2006 NHRA POWERade drag racing series, Fuller, driver of the Valvoline/David Powers Motorsports Top Fuel rail, knows the challenges that come with staying at the top of his game.

"There are 15 other teams in this class waiting for an opportunity to take your place in the winners circle," Fuller said. "Part of what makes drag racing so exciting is that any one of them can get there on any given Sunday. You can't say that about other forms of motorsports."

Fuller is currently just 220 markers behind points leader Melanie Troxel.

"Our team is unique in that this is our first year to compete in all 23 events, yet we are fourth in points," Fuller said. "I think that says a lot about how committed crew chief Lee Beard and crew really is about winning the championship."

In its inaugural season, the Valvoline/David Powers Motorsports team ran a limited 15-race schedule, yet finished the 2005 season 10th in points, a feat that had never been accomplished before and leading to the proclamation of the group as "the most successful start-up team in NHRA history."

Fuller and the rest of the Valvoline gang will try to add to their legacy at this weekend's 42nd annual Pontiac Performance Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment at National Trail Raceway in the Columbus suburb of Hebron, Ohio.

National television coverage of the event will be carried on ESPN2.

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