Commerce: Doug Herbert Friday summary

HERBERT CLAIMS SECOND SPOT AFTER FRIDAY QUALIFYING

Commerce, Ga., (April 27, 2007) Doug Herbert and the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel team will go into the Saturday qualifying session of the NHRA Southern Nationals sitting comfortably in second place.

With the sun shining brightly on the track during the first qualifying run, Herbert made it through the lights in 4.59 seconds at 303 mph. This put the Snap-on Tools team in the seventh spot.

As the sun went down and the temperature began to fall, conditions promised to be perfect for the second session of the day. Herbert and team felt they could do even better.

The conditions were indeed ripe for Herbert and team as they prepped the car for what would be the best run of the season, a stout 4.50 seconds at 321.04 mph.

"The run felt good," said Herbert. "This should keep us in second spot for Sunday. The weather is supposed to be warmer tomorrow, and this time should stand.

"Starting out in second place on Sunday will feel great. This is the first step in making our way into the top eight for the Countdown to the Championship. We said it was time to make things happen, and we weren't kidding. We're ready to win."

-credit: dhr