Gateway: Whisnant finals report

MADISON, Ill. (Sunday June 24)– Mark Whisnant, driver of the PiranaZ Chevrolet S-10, entered today’s eliminations at the 5th Annual Sears Craftsman NHRA Nationals sitting in the 15th position on the Pro Stock Truck ladder.

Whisnant’s opponent in the first round was Victor Cagnazzi. Cagnazzi took the advantage on the starting line and kept it all the way to the finish line. Cagnazzi ran a 7.571 / 178.59 mph to defeat Whisnant’s 7.580 / 178.80 mph.

"It is tough on me," said Whisnant, "when every round I have to cut a light to beat people.

"Right now we are dragging everything we can out of this truck. We are down on horsepower. The only reason we that are running as well as we have is that Kevin (Horst) and my crew are getting every little bit there is out of this truck.

"We are really looking forward to getting our new Jenkins motor. We should have it by Indy, and it couldn’t be soon enough for me.

"I will feel more confident going into Indy with that new motor. Then I won’t have to worry about cutting lights on raceday. We will just have to worry about racing smart and going rounds."

The next stop on the Pro Stock Truck schedule will be the 47th Annual Mac Tools US Nationals August 29 through September 3, in Indianapolis, Ind.

-MWR