Commerce: Doug Herbert Saturday summary

HERBERT QUALIFIES SECOND IN ATLANTA

Commerce, Ga., (April 28, 2007) --The 4.50 second, 321.04 mph pass Doug Herbert and the Snap-on Tools Top Fuel dragster made on Friday evening held strong throughout both Saturday qualifying sessions of the NHRA Southern Nationals, keeping him in second position for Sunday's final elimination rounds.

"We're excited to be qualified in second position," Herbert said. "It really speaks to how hard Jim Brissette, Dave Fletcher and the entire crew has worked. We decided to stay and test in Las Vegas after two disappointing race weekends, and the extra time and hard work really paid off."

With only 12 races left before the top eight Top Fuel teams are put into the next phase of the Countdown to the Championship, Herbert came into the Atlanta race knowing it was time to put to use what had been learned in the test sessions.

"We came to Atlanta saying it was time to make it happen," said Herbert. "We've got the first part of it done. We qualified in the number two spot. Now we're going to carry on and do more of the same tomorrow. We're ready to start fighting our way toward the Countdown to the Championship, and it starts tomorrow with winning rounds."

Herbert will face Larry Dixon, driver of the SkyTel Top Fuel dragster in the opening round of eliminations.

-credit: dhr