Indianapolis: Cory McClenathan final summary

Consistent, Competitive Times Help McClenathan Reach Semis at Indy

Cory McClenathan took advantage of a revitalized performance from the Carrier Boyz Racing FRAM Boost Top Fuel dragster to advance to the semifinals of Mac Tools U.S. Nationals Monday.

With crew chief Wes Cerny and assistant crew chief Tony Shortall getting good, consistent elapsed times in differing weather conditions, the dragster turned in eight elapsed times from 4.519 seconds to 4.627 seconds.

McClenathan then opened eliminations by defeating Doug Herbert (4.519 seconds at 327.35 mph to 4.604 at 324.12) and David Baca (4.606 at 316.45 to 8.173 at 87.65) before losing a very close decision to Brandon Bernstein (4.524 at 332.51 to 4.588 at 323.04)

"We had eight really good runs during the weekend and we went some rounds on race day," said McClenathan, "and I'm really happy with the good job Wes and Tony have been doing. It's great to have a consistent car again and I think the other drivers know we have a car that can win a race."

McClenathan, in fact, came within two-thousandths of a second of prolonging his competitive day. He left Bernstein at the starting line by a wide margin -- .047-second to .109 -- but couldn't withstand Bernstein's rush to the finish line.

"We're all tired because this race takes a lot out of you, but we are already looking forward to going to Reading (Pa., site of the Toyo Tire Nationals, Sept. 15-17)."

-credit: cbr