Dave Heitzman Dallas preview

"Dyno Dave" looking to 'double down' in Dallas

ENNIS, Texas - It's not often a racer gets a chance to win twice in one weekend, but NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster rookie "Dyno Dave" Heitzman will have a shot at that feat during this weekend's O'Reilly Fall Nationals presented by Castrol at the Texas Motorplex just south of Dallas. Heitzman and his Skull Shine/Knoll Gas Motorsports backed team made their first career final round at last weekend's Division 4 event in Houston, but persistent rains caused the final to be postponed to qualifying at this weekend's event.

Heitzman, who works for Skull Shine and Torco Race Fuels in Decatur, Mich., has made his presence felt in a relatively short time on the tour this year. Around midseason, Heitzman and Torco Race Fuels President Evan Knoll joined forces with last year's World Championship winning owner and tuner Tom Conway to form a two car A/Fuel Dragster team. The car has quickly become a contender on the Lucas Oil circuit.

"I'm real happy with the way everything is working right now," said Heitzman. "The car is running great. This being my rookie year in the class, it really helps to have a guy like Tom Conway calling the tuning shots, and I have a great crew behind me as well. Shane Conway and Keith Zimmerer came over from Tom's team and have been a big asset. They're helping teach myself, my wife Dawn, son Devin and daughter Demi how to work on one of these cars. With Skull Shine, Torco Race Fuels and Lucas Oil behind us, it has made a heck of a team."

Heitzman's final round opponent will be another rookie, Spencer Massey. The match up will be a pivotal round for the team, as Heitzman's team mate, Lee Callaway is in a close battle for the Division 4 Championship with Massey. Heitzman can keep his teammate's title hopes alive with a win.

"We're obviously going for the win, but if we can help Lee keep his championship hopes alive, it would make it that much sweeter," stated Heitzman. "We just want to have another good outing and make a good showing for Torco and Skull Shine."

Qualifying begins on Friday and concludes on Saturday. Eliminations begin with round one on Saturday afternoon and will conclude the event on Sunday. Stay tuned to InsideTopAlcohol.com for the latest news in alcohol racing.

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