Denver: Larry Dixon Friday notes

MORRISON, CO (July 20) Larry Dixon's attempt to win his first career Top Fuel title at Denver started off on the right foot Friday as he qualified the Don Prudhomme Racing Miller Lite Dragster in the No. 6 spot after the first day of the 23rd Annual Mopar Parts Mile High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway.

Denver's high altitude wreaks havoc with the tune up for most crew chiefs, but Miller Lite top wrench Dick LaHaie showed no signs of slowing in the mountains for the opening session. Dixon ran in the left lane to a session low 4.840 seconds at 277.26 mph to take the top qualifying position, in spite of a hole out at the start of the run and a thrown blower belt at the finish line.

The evening session might have seen him keep the top spot on the ladder. however Dixon was forced to shut off early near the right lane's halftrack mark.

"With all the problems that we had today, I was very surprised that the car ran as well as it did," said LaHaie. "Our runs today did show us that once we get the problems solved, we should be able to run pretty good."

Dixon's career best finish at Bandimere has been a pair of semifinal finishes coming in 1996 and again in 1999. Last season he recorded a second round finish to Tony Schumacher after qualifying fourth. The Miller Lite Driver sits second in the points race, just 62 behind leader Kenny Bernstein. Dixon has reached four final rounds this season, including winsat Gainesville, FL, and Columbus, Ohio.

Two qualifying sessions remain on Saturday and are scheduled for 1:00 and 4:00 PM CT. Qualifying rounds will be televised on ESPN2 on Saturday from 6:00-8:00 PM ET while the finals will air Sunday from 5:00-8:00:00 PM ET.

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