Denver: Dave Connolly Saturday summary

Mile-high Altitude, Tricky Track Lead to No. 9 Starting Position

MORRISON, Colo., 2005 -- Their qualifying performance wasn't what Dave Connolly or Terry Adams wanted, but their best run of 7.150 seconds at 192.91 mph, did put them in the No. 9 Pro Stock starting spot Saturday for Sunday's Mopar Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.

With the altitude taking power away from the motor and hot, windy conditions making the track tricky, both Connolly and Adams were pleased just to put the Skull Gear Chevrolet Cobalt into the 16-car starting lineup.

"We've only been here one other time and we haven't gotten used to racing in these conditions," said Connolly. "We just haven't been running very good. This place is so weird."

Adams, who was injured in a fall from the car's hauler during testing here two weeks ago, was frustrated with the car's performance.

"We should've been able to run better, but there was sand on the track on our last run and the car spun the tires when it hit the sand. Between me falling on my head and tuning this race car up here makes me want to get out of here as soon as we can."

Winning rounds Sunday would alter his altitude-related attitude. Connolly squares off against Mike Thomas in the opening round. Thomas was No. 8 qualifier (7.145 seconds).