Courtney Force Firebird Friday notes

COURTNEY FORCE ENDS FIRST DAY OF PHOENIX LODRS No. 9

PHOENIX (February 29, 2008 ) --- The day after her sister Brittany earned her A-Fuel license, Courtney Force was behind the wheel of the Jerry Darien owned and tuned A-Fuel dragster competing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional race at Firebird Raceway.

The 19-year-old Santiago Canyon College student is competing for the second time in the John Force Racing backed dragster. Courtney opened the season as the No. 14 qualifier at the CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals in Pomona, Calif., before dropping her first round match-up to Joey Severance.

In the only Top Alcohol Dragster qualifying session of the day, the former high school cheerleader and auto shop student laid down a 5.711 sec., 252.14 mph pass which has her in the No. 9 qualifying position. Only the eight quickest Top Alcohol Dragsters will advance to eliminations and the bump spot (8th quickest time) is 5.634 seconds.

Both Courtney and Brittany Force spent the past two seasons building their racing resume in the ultra-competitive Super Comp class before stepping up to the Top Alcohol Dragster class this season.

-credit: jfr