Commerce: Rod Fuller Friday summary

UNSPONSORED POINTS-LEADER CONTINUES STRONG PERFORMANCE, FULLER LEADS TOP FUEL FIELD FRIDAY AT ATLANTA

COMMERCE, Ga. (April 27, 2007) -- Rod Fuller entered the 27th running of the Summit Racing Equipment Southern Nationals atop the NHRA points standings. On the strength of his 4.506-second qualifying effort, the four-time NHRA winner leads the Top Fuel field following the first day of racing action at Atlanta Dragway.

Entering Friday's second qualifying session in the bottom of the pack, 14th in the order, Fuller used a tune-up from veteran crew chief Rob Flynn to blister the Atlanta Dragway strip in 4.506 seconds at 326.71 mph to claim the provisional pole position. On his opening effort, the Las Vegas racer cruised to a pass of 4.679 at 309.34 in his all-white David Powers-owned dragster which is being referred to as the "Great White Shark." Fuller has qualified no lower than third this season finishing second three times and third twice. He has two career Top Fuel poles.

"We have the points lead, but we're still hunting for a major sponsor," Fuller said. "We're running the all-white car and some people are doubting us asking if we're still going to run good. All season long, the team has pulled together and David Powers has given Rob Flynn and our team everything we need to win races and qualify well.

"We're hoping someone will take notice and step up soon. I don't think you can find a better race team to partner with in any form of racing. We're happy. I hope to keep my top three qualifying streak going on Saturday. I had a good feeling coming into this weekend."

Top Fuel qualifying continues with sessions scheduled for 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. (ET) on Saturday afternoon at Atlanta Dragway. ESPN2 will air two hours of qualifying coverage from 6-8 p.m. (ET) on Saturday evening.

-credit: dpm